Places of Refuge
“If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” – Mother Theresa
As moms, what we do within the walls of our homes matters. How we love, treat, and invest in those God has specifically given to us has the power to not only change our lives but also significantly impact the world around us.
The culture of our homes matters.
We see this in our verses today. A mom has the power to transform her home into a place of refuge and love through her choices.
25 her clothing was strong and splendid;
and she laughed at the time to come.
26 She has opened her mouth with wisdom,
with loving instruction on her tongue.
27 Watching over the ways of her household,
she would not eat the bread of idleness.
– Proverbs 31:25
She clothed, laughed, opened, instructed, and watched…
The choices we make as moms affect the culture of our homes more than many of us realize.
For many children, the world outside our homes is anything but a refuge. The standards of perfection are too high, and the pressures from sports, school, and society are just too much for their young minds and hearts.
Stand in Contrast
Our homes should stand in stark contrast. They should be soft places for our children to land, where the harshness of the outside world is met with the comfort of unconditional love. Our homes are not just a physical space but a sanctuary where every family member knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are loved, treasured, and wanted.
But that doesn’t mean our homes must be perfect. Far from it! The importance of a nurturing home lies not in perfection but in the grace that flows freely within it. It is in understanding that while we strive to do our best, grace covers our shortcomings and teaches us and our children the beauty of forgiveness and unconditional love.
However, creating a nurturing home requires a lot of intentionality. It means choosing daily to fill our homes with words of affirmation, acts of love, and moments of quality time that knit our hearts closer together. It’s in the small acts of kindness, the listening ear, and the comforting hug that our homes become the nurturing environment God intends them to be.
As mothers, our role in shaping this environment cannot be overstated. We have the special opportunity to set the tone of our homes and ensure they are havens of peace in a challenging world. Let us take this responsibility to heart, leaning on God’s strength and wisdom, and create a space where grace abounds, love is unconditional, and every family member knows they have a special place where they are always welcome.
