Your Home as a Place of Refuge

 

By: Jerry Ann Guidroz

 

     

Jewish Home Blessing

May its doors be open to those in need,

And its rooms be filled with kindness.

May joy shine from its windows,

And His presence never leave it.

WHAT IS A HOME?

 

     The place where the family gathers is a house. Whether or not it is a home usually depends on the mother or grandmother of that dwelling. A home is a comforting gathering place where people, not possessions, are in charge of the household.

 

Our homes should be:

  • A place of refuge from the storms of life
  • A place where personalities are nurtured and people feel free to be themselves
  • A place of order
  • A place of welcome and blessing

 

WHAT IS A HOMEMAKER?

 

     The one who makes the house a home is the homemaker. She cares about the comfort and well-being of not only those who dwell there, but all who enter. She is literally “making a home.”

 

     The house may not always be perfect, nor do most people expect it. I’ve never had anyone enter my home with white gloves. When the doorbell rings unexpectedly, out of place items can be stashed away quickly, if we maintain our homes consistently. Don’t be intimidated b the condition or size of your home.

     Jesus, our example, spent time in fellowship with others in their homes. The Scripture tells us the disciples went from house to house breaking bread. In addition, inns offered a place of rest and food. Remember the Good Samaritan? Of course, there were no McDonald’s or choices like we have today. But even in today’s world, sharing our homes can be one of our greatest soul winning tools and one of our greatest blessings.

     There was something that drew Jesus to that house in Bethany where Mary, Martha, and Lazarus lived. It must have been tidy and the food palatable. Jesus evidently found it a place to rest and refresh himself.

     Our homes should offer a calm respite from outside pressures and a place where love abounds. Your home should reflect your personality and style. A welcoming home is a place where real life happens on a daily basis.

     My husband and I pastored a home missions church when our children were small. WE lived in a ramshackled house that the church had rented for us. On one occasion of entertaining, Reverend James Simison and his wife were our out-of-town guests. I cleaned the house, lit candles, and cooked a meal. They commented how warm and inviting our home was. Even years later they commented about the warmth of that home. They never noticed the condition of the structure, but felt the warmth of our welcome. By the way, that ramshackled house was condemned and bull-dozed shortly after we moved out of it but its condition never stopped hospitality from happening when we lived there.

 

Take inventory of our home:

  • Is it warm and inviting?
  • Does it scream, “Don’t touch me?”
  • Is it orderly?
  • Can the people who live there and strangers who enter feel comforted?
  • Is clutter under control?
  • Does it reflect your style?

 

Things you can do to make it warm and inviting:

  • Turn on soft lighting
  • Play soft music
  • Light a scented candle
  • Gather a basket of books and small toys for little ones
  • Have comfortable seating
  • Simmer something on the stove, even if it is potpourri
  • Place a roast or chicken in the oven or slow cooker
  • Bake cookies, even if they are from a package

 

Remember, if it is a recreational vehicle, an apartment, or a mansion, you can make it a home where people love to gather.

 

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