Not long ago Tim and I were talking about
the dynamics of our home life. Especially as a single income home, for the most
part the provisional/financial stability of our home depends on him, but the
emotional stability of our home in large part depends on me. As wives and
mothers, we dictate the emotional environment for our homes. We’ve all heard
the phrase, “If mama’s not happy nobody’s happy.” And I believe there is a lot
of truth to that.
If I’m stressed, frustrated and have
a short fuse everyone can feel that energy...Tim, the kids, even the dog. There
is nothing inherently wrong with these feelings. They are a normal part of
life. But it is what we do with those feelings that makes the difference. Am I controlling
them, or are they controlling me? I must ask myself, am I believing the best of
others? Am I slow to anger and quick to forgive? When I slip up, am I quick to
seek forgiveness, receive that forgiveness and jump back into striving to live
out the joy of my salvation and let it splash onto all those in my house? I
must be continually praying to be controlled by love. Love is the key, and
Christ said loving God and loving others is our most important job.
So please, as we are in the midst of
a wonderful Christmas season, focus on the type of environment you want to
create in your home. Seek the Lord’s help and strength to keep your entire
being (mind, spirit and soul) controlled by love. Take some time to sit and
pray over and meditate on this topic. How do you want people to feel in your
home (not just at Christmas but all year round and not just guests, but your husband
and children especially)? Make a list of the qualities you want to foster. Then
list the things that could (or do) keep you from attaining these, and pray
about ways to prevent or control those limiting factors. Remember to take every
thought captive making it obedient to Christ and to love others as Christ loves
you.
Take a deep breath, push the “restart”
button, and begin right now allowing God to create a peaceful and joyful
environment for your home and family. And let the change begin with you!
“Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down
with her own hands.” Proverbs 14:1
