Monday Motivation: Love Begins at Home
Posted by Andrea
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. (John 15:12)
For weeks, the girls have been looking forward to Valentine’s Day. This is because they knew I was planning a day of full of fun and special surprises just for them. In the days leading up to Valentine’s Day, I dropped hints about the exciting events the day would bring. When Valentine’s Day finally arrived, Sweet Pea and Sugar Plum were thrilled and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the day.
When the girls came down for breakfast on Saturday morning, they found a bright and festive setting: a kitchen table adorned with a cheery red tablecloth and colorful confetti, shiny balloons floating from the chairs, and new heart-themed place settings. In addition, Sweet Pea and Sugar Plum were greeted by a few Valentine’s Day gifts: barrettes, socks, stuffed animals, and a new Veggie Tales DVD.
After a hearty Valentine’s Day breakfast (including lollipops…shame on us!) and a good toothbrushing, we loaded up the minivan and headed off to a show featuring the girls’ favorite cartoon character. Following the show, we enjoyed a mid-winter barbecue at Famous Dave’s, one of our favorite family restaurants.
Some might wonder why I would put so much effort into creating such a special day for little girls who might not remember the day years from now. Last night as I was reading Passionate Housewives Desperate for God, I was reminded of the answer. Author Jennie Chancey notes that it is the job of wives and mothers to transform the home from “a small kingdom [into] a picture of God’s greater kingdom…a kingdom where beauty shines in every word and deed…” and cautions that “when homes do not have creative, happy, intelligent [women] keeping them, their occupants go elsewhere…”
I always want my girls to have fond memories of the times they spent at home. I never want them to seek satisfaction in other places and in other people because their home lacked love, creativity, and fun. When they look back on their childhood, I want the girls’ senses to be flooded with fond memories of the sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and touches of a warm, safe, welcoming, and creative home.
Though this Valentine’s Day was full of extras, I’m not striving to create a home where every holiday brings gifts and ordinary days always feature extravagant outings. Instead, I’m working to create the loving home environment my children will want to remain part of even as they grow older. I want our small home kingdom to be a little bit of Heaven right here on Earth because of my words, thoughts, and deeds.
Whether you’re a woman works in an office or a woman working from within the home, we can all be the “creative, happy, intelligent mothers” and wives God had called us to be. If we take John 15:12 to heart and allow God’s command to love one another to spur us on, we’ll definitely find new and innovative ways to show love to those in our household. In addition, the love we have for those in our household will make us want to put those ideas into practice. After all, it’s true; actions do speak louder than words.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for the homes You have given us. But more importantly, we thank You for the family members you’ve placed inside of our homes. Help us to treat them with the love You’ve modeled for us. Inspire us to show our love in new ways and always with great zeal! Forgive us for the times we take our family members for granted and remind us that each day with them is a tremendous blessing! Amen.
Food For Thought:
1. Do you have fond memories as a child at home? Why or why not?
2. Why has God given women the task of making the home “a kingdom where beauty shines…”?
3. Today, what can you do to turn your home into a “picture of God’s greater kingdom” without spending any money?
What a wonderful day you planned for the girls. I’m sure that many beautiful memories were created. I enjoyed reading about the importance of the home, wonderful reminder for all women. In fact, I was looking on ebay for that book – Passionate Housewifes just last week! So glad that you mentioned it.
Thank you for your sweet and thoughtful comments on my blog. You are a blessing to me and I am always encouraged when I leave from here!
It’s a great book Joyfull. I highly recommend it!
Your daughters are so blessed to have such a wonderful Mom like you! I love this quote: “home… a kingdom where beauty shines…”?
Making memories for our children is so important, and it doesn’t always have to cost a bundle of money. I thank God for the capacity for creativity, which brings joy to both the giver and receiver. Good job! :~D
Thanks e-Mom! You are ALWAYS so encouraging! I so enjoyed your post today:)
Most of my fond memories are outside the home, not inside, you know what I mean? My dad was very stressed during my childhood so I remember my mom asked us to play outside alot. Things got so much better when I became a teenager.
The things I do now for my kids (15 and 20) are alot different than I did ten years ago. I still try to do little things to show that I love them. Love is never wasted.
I am so thankful to the Lord for the gift of these boys!
I’m constantly amazed at how my childhood experiences shape my mothering as well.
It sounds as if your boys are certainly blessed to have a mother who truly loves them and recognizes that true displays of love are never wasted! Children are indeed a blessing and I thank God for my girlies EVERY SINGLE DAY!
I’m glad you enjoyed your visit and I thank you for stopping by and offering such encouraging words. Have a happy day!
Andrea, indeed another motivational post. I always shy away from “hallmark” holidays as they seem so commercialized and set up ourselves and others for unrealistic expectations. It never occurred to look at it with the perspective of sharing/showing the love Jesus has for us. Thanks again, Sonya
Thanks for visiting Sonya and giving me encouragement! I very much appreciate it! And, you’re so right…Valentine’s Day and every other “holiday” have become so commercialized that the importance of the day is often forgotten.
But…I think there’s a way for us to add Jesus to every holiday we celebrate.
May your day be happy and blessed!
Thanks for the post Andrea. As I arise each morning, I am wondering how many times I’ll play the chase game, hide and seek, and tackle football. With an active daughter and an active toddler, much energy is required. But, I am encouraged to know that looking back, they will have fond memories of playing rough house with Mommy. And, for now, their constant laughter during these games sustain me.
Laughter from our little ones is one of those special little gifts from God.
And to answer your other question, if you want to sign up via email, just look at the sidebar on the right. You’ll see a tan box that says Embracing Him via email. Just add your email address in the white box and click the link that says Sign Me Up.