Loving the Gift of Home

Homes are gifts from God. They’re the personal places where we take up residence. Whether they’re tiny or big, simple or sophisticated, and fixed up or run down, homes, in any form, are shelters provided by our loving Creator. They help make safety, security and solace possible. It’s amazing how many hours are spent working each week just to purchase, pay for, or provide furnishings for our dwelling places. As much time as we spend on and in them, it seems fitting that we would show love and appreciation for the blessings our homes provide. 

Loving Our Homes Too Little

It’s easy to forget that some people have little to love about the home they’re in. I have more than I need and, sadly, often neglect to show love for it.

Usually, my gratitude wavers for two reasons. One, I find things displeasing. Two, I get weary waiting for improvements to be made. I’ve expressed displeasure over:

• A growing list of maintenance projects
• Endless months of remodeling causing disorder
• Having to wait to use or enjoy our furnishings
• Postponing living or hosting as we desire
  

While these seem like valid complaints, there’s one problem with my ungratefulness…

Whether the hindrances and hold-ups are out of our control or of our own making, negativity and impatience don’t make things easier; they make things more miserable. A little more love would help.    

Loving Our Homes Too Much

On the other hand, we have to be cautious about loving our homes too much. The Scripture teaches us to love God with all our hearts, souls, minds and strength and to love others. (Mark 12:29-31). When we make our homes more of a priority than God or people, the love of our homes has gone too far.

When Hurricane Katrina came blustering through the Gulf Coast in August of 2005, it changed the landscape of our community and, for a while, even changed our mindset. Our top tasks became pulling together, helping and comforting each other. Rushing to go somewhere or get more stuff ceased for a few moments, when the homes we found extremely vital to our well-being were damaged or gone. Our priorities shifted from our foundations to our families, friends and neighbors and love took residence in our hearts.

When we remember that properties can easily be destroyed and people can be lost, with little notice, our perspectives gain clarity and our purposes and passions change. That keeps our hearts in the right place.

Loving Our Homes Just Enough

God provided enough space and supplies for everyone. We’re the ones who struggle with knowing when enough is enough. Striving to get more, or “have it all,” causes undo stress. Remember:

• God promises to meet our needs
• God’s wants us to enjoy His provisions
• God wants us to share our surplus for His glory

God gives us the wisdom, abilities, and supplies, to secure, furnish and maintain our homes. Loving this gift shows Him appreciation.

I’m purposely trying to love my home more this year—for the gift it is and the condition it’s in. As a result, I’m seeing productive changes. What’s not to love about that?

Bring It Home

What do you love, or not love, about your home today?
Do you need a fresh perspective?

Praying for you as we grow together,

Smiles, BRC