Making
Your Home A Refuge
By
Nancy Twigg
Is
your home a refuge for your family? Is it a
peaceful place that welcomes each family member
at the end of the work or school day? Is your
home inviting to friends, making them want to
come in, relax, and visit for awhile?
If you
think homes like this are only found in decorating magazines
or wealthy neighborhoods, you're wrong. It doesn't matter
if you rent or own, or whether your house is large or small.
There are simple things you can do to make your home more
"homey" for your family. With a little creativity,
any home can be a refuge for its inhabitants.
Fresh
Flowers
Fresh
flowers add beauty, color and fragrance to your
surroundings. Pick some wild flowers or consider
growing your own next spring.
Houseplants
Not
only are houseplants decorative; they also add
oxygen to the air. Experts say that plants also
improve air quality by removing pollutants.
Music
Don't
underestimate the calming effects of soothing
music on the whole family. Start a collection
of pleasant music that can be played softly
to lift your spirits and calm frazzled nerves.
Decorating
Decorate
your house with items that represent happiness
and good memories: family pictures, special
Bible verses, or awards that family members
have received. These are constant reminders
of what's most important to the family.
Candles
Enjoy
the relaxing effects of candles. Lighted candles
promote relaxation and sometimes even romance
for Mom and Dad! (Be careful about burning candles
if you have small children.)
Personal
Reflection Area
Find
a special spot in the house that you can call
your very own. Use this place to read, pray,
meditate - whatever brings you peace. Encourage
other family members to have their own special
spots too.
Quiet
Time
Set
aside 15-30 minutes of "quiet time"
each morning or evening to prepare yourself
for the day or unwind and reflect. Remember
that your mood can affect the whole family.
The
Crazy Hour
Institute a ritual to calm that crazy half-hour
after you and your spouse first get home from
work. Sip a favorite beverage with the kids,
change into your most comfortable clothes, or
sit down and chat with the family before starting
dinner.
Comfort
Foods
Keep
a secret stash of "comfort foods"
on hand. For many people, flavored coffees,
herbal tea or chocolate does the trick. If you
are calm, your calmness will rub off on other
family members.
Meal
Preparation
Whenever
possible, double recipes and freeze the leftovers.
Knowing that a delicious meal is only minutes
away makes coming home more enjoyable for everyone,
especially the designated family cook.
The
"Tidy Room"
Make
it your goal to have at least one neat room
in your house at all times - preferably the
room family members see first when they come
in the door.
Fine
China for Family
Use
the tablecloth and nice china at least one night
a week "just because". Why save those
things only for special occasions? Another day
of life is special enough.
Nancy Twigg is the editor of Counting the Cost,
a free bi-monthly Christian e-zine devoted to everyday abundant
living at its best. Topics include experiencing life more
joyfully, using our time and money wisely, building stronger
family relationships, and spiritual enrichment. To subscribe,
send a blank email message to: countingthecost-subscribe@topica.com
or visit Nancy online at www.countingthecost.com
