I visited BooMama early this morning and read her post about Sanctuary, then I read Richella's post telling of a sweet, sweet story about her mamma......then I took some time to think. I was thinking about what we DO to provide Sanctuary for those whose resting place may be our home. Family, friends, even strangers leave our homes regularly with a memory of what they felt like in our homes, what they smelled in our homes, what they ate in our homes, what they were encouraged about in our homes, and what they enjoyed in our homes, or did.not.enjoy. Did they feel loved, did they feel enveloped like a cocoon, did they feel nourished and satisfied, did they feel joy?
I pondered what kind of environment my own family feels in our home. My husband NEEDS order and non-clutter. Do I work to keep things in line and in some sort of array? It's very hard for me to do so, but I am learning how it adds peace and calm.
Does my home smell clean and fresh and maybe even fragrant? Windex and Pinesol smell clean to me, but I know my husband also appreciates the smell of good food to welcome him home. Others appreciate that as well. My family won't succumb, even though I've campaigned!, to a faux tree because they love the smell of a fresh one. Those Balsam candles at Bath and Body works smell just like a live tree is my contention....still working on that!
What is the conversation of in my home? Do those who find refuge here feel dragged down by the cares of the world or filled with hope because we talk of the hope that our Jesus offers, we talk of the blessings the Lord has given in abundance......do we whine of what we want or rejoice over what we've been given????????????
Are you a hugger? It takes some perception really to know if others are comfortable with receiving hugs. I love to give them freely, but sometimes it's a little threatening. So in that case, a touch on the arm or a side hug is enough of a touch......but DO reach out to touch someone. We sometimes just need to sprinkle our conversation with grace and that may be the touch someone needs. Take time to perceive.
Take time to unwrap the gift of haven, of sancturary, of restfulness and peace, of calm and silent night. It's a gift you give to those who enter your home. No tinsel really needed, no shiny paper or bows. JUST DO IT.....just give it, just live it.
I'm linking to Emily's chatting at the sky Tuesdays Unwrapped today.....go enjoy some inspiration!
25 comments:
Thanks for sharing.
I clicked on your link for Baby Shower ideas and it shows up with symbols instead of letters!! Maybe it's just me? I would love to be able to read it!
Sorry. I should have said post not link. That's the one I went to and it's in WingDing or some sort of weird font. I tried it again and it's still the same??
You ALWAYS inspire to think and I love and appreciate it so much! HUGS to you!
I was just thinking earlier today about how I sometimes feel that there is more I want (notice that I did not say need) and that I really feel blessed with what I have. I have a wonderful family, a welcoming home, good health, and a job that although I won't go so far as to say I enjoy, it is not so bad. I enjoy and appreciate my many blessings and try to tone down my human nature in wanting things that I do not have...they are just superficial. Thanks for your beautiful words and enjoy today as the gift it is.
Thanks for that nice post. Definitely some inspirtation for this busy time of year.
Suzanne, Beautiful post, ...each word was so eloquently and thoughtfully written! Your words made a difference in my life today and made me ponder these things as well! Thank You! ~hugs, Rhonda :)
Beautiful and all great questions to ask! :)
Thank you so much for this post....I really needed it!
{{{HUGS}}}
Robin :o)
Great post! I am not a hugger, thank you for recognizing that not everyone is LOL
All true and all good points. Especially this one: do we whine of what we want or rejoice over what we've been given????????????
Nothing drains the sancuary right out of a home like incessant complaining and whining. And I am the likely culprit, rather than my 4-year-old!
Thanks for setting me straight!
As I read your post, it reminds me of my mother-in-law who pasted away 3 years ago. A great Italian lady..everytime you entered her home you felt..joy..love..safe..and the food was wonderful!
Thank you for reminding me of those great memories!
Suzanne, I think we are an awful lot alike. I think about this subject often and work hard to make people feel good in my house. My MIL has always been so nice to say that she loves it here. I take that as a real compliment.
Lovely post, Sue. You always get us to pause and take stock. :)
Oh Suzanne that was a very profound post today. Great words to reflect on. Most every holiday all my grands have more than one place to go visit. They say on Queenmothermamaw we want to come to your house last so we can flop down and just relax. They love taking turns lounging on the couch. I told them that is the greatest compliment they can give me.
QMM
I must be doing something right when my 'adopted' kids come in and head straight to the frig. Several of those guys don't have moms around or moms who care, or dads. There's a true ministry out there for young adults. Good job, Suzanne.
I enjoyed reading your blog post. I think your home is a sanctuary and it's so important that anyone who walks through the doors finds comfort and hospitality.
Thanks for sharing.
This is one of those posts that one reads and spends the rest of the day reflecting on what was read. Creating a home that feels like a sanctuary is one of my heartfelt prayers. Life is hard, and we are bombarded on every side with news and info, so I want my home to feel safe and secure. I want everyone to feel welcomed and wanted. Love this post!
Very well written, Suzanne. As always, such a great, thought provoking thread. I do like to feel like my home is welcoming, and you took it a step farther with the smells and such. Oh yes, I am a hugger, but I have hugged before when the recipient seemed a little taken back! A touch on the arm might be better if we really don't know, right?
Love your blog and love you too!
Donna
Wonderful post Suzanne. And how important to create such a place for the ones we love.
XOXO
Jen
Great post Suzanne!
(((Suzanne)))
Cathy
I am a toucher . I can do without a hug but will not back away from one. I find myself reaching up to tap someones arm while talking and I try to break myself of that. But it is a habit. Great post but than all yours are. Merry Christmas!!!!
This is a great post, Suzanne!!! :) Wonderful reminders. :)
Your home looks like a real Sanctuary to me. And I'm guessing it is to your family as well. But right now MY home looks like a mess. The detritus of all my decorating projects is stacked up into little mountains that are threatening avalanche! You've inspired me to set aside my desires for a bit and get things cleaned up around here so that we can all enjoy the best things about this season.
Thank you so very much for the linky love! I appreciate you.
Love,
Richella
Loved this post, Suzanne. Your thoughts are inspiring and thought provoking. I do think we are all capable of creating a sanctuary for all those who enter our homes. It is a weary world we live in. A peaceful, comforting home can a place of physical, emotional, and spiritual rest.
Merry Christmas, my friend...Kathy
I have to tell you, I have come back here three times and read this inspiring post. I haven't commented, because each time I got to thinking about what you said and needed to do some thinking about what is important in my home.
I love the thought of family and friends gettin the feeling of sanctuary when they enter our home. I hope so, but that is going to be my goal from here on.
I am very organized, everything is usually orderly, somewhat clean and smelling like food, but am I so concerned about those things, that I don't take the time to personally make them feel that feeling of sanctuary. Thanks for this post and the way you have made me think since I found your blog, starting with the one on Perspective.
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