Most say the heart of the home is the kitchen
Most people will say that the kitchen is the heart of the home. I do not disagree that the kitchen plays a very important role in the home. After all this is where the heart of the homemaker is shown to her family in the time and effort she puts into it. This is also where a lot of the family’s most important conversations are had. Not to mention the quality time coming together and reconnecting with each other after a long day of work, whether inside the home or out. No, the importance of the kitchen to the flow of the home should not be overlooked. However, I believe that the true heart of the home is the godly wife/mother.
Setting the mood as the heart of your home
My husband reminds me often that my attitude sets the mood of the home. If I am not feeling well everyone seems a bit off. When I get cranky everyone does. On the days when I am happy, so are they. I have noticed this to be true. In this I have been shown that I truly am the heart of my home.
Life is full of situations that can affect your mood. How you deal with each of these situations in your heart will determine your mood. How your family sees you handle them will set the tone for how they will handle them when it’s their turn. I heard a preacher say once that we honor God better when we respond instead of react to a troublesome situation.
Choices you can make as the heart of your home
We are all faced with several choices every day. As the living breathing heart of the home our decisions are important. We can choose to take time to pray and respond well to the days situations, or hastily react. This decision will greatly impact the mood of your home. You can choose to give the Lord the firstfruits of our day, or ignore him.
This does not have to mean that you sit down for an hour first thing in the morning and have your devotion time then. It could just meant that you thank him for another day even before you open your eyes. For me this looks like me rising before the rest of my family and getting alone with God, in His word, and prayer for at least one hour. There are times when the kids begin to wake up before I finish. Sometimes they join me, and other times they grab a snack and hang out in the kitchen until they know I am done. I am not saying that everyone must, “rise while it is yet night.” (Proverbs 31:15) But I am saying that everyone should wake in the morning giving thanks to God, lay down at night doing the same.
Happiness is a choice. As is grumpiness. Snappiness or joyfulness, softness or harshness. These are all choices every person is faced with every day. If you want to cultivate a joyful, grateful spirit in your home then choose happiness, joy and softness in all that you do. Don’t forget to consult and thank the Lord in all things as well.
Bearing burdens
As Christians we are called to be holy as he is holy. (I Peter 1:16) We are also called to bear one another’s burdens. (Galatians 6:2) I have noticed that when I bear the burdens of my family ungrudgingly and with joy, the Lord blesses with a peaceful home. When I choose to put Him first in all things my attitude is gracious and grateful. When we sow seeds of contentment and love we reap the same. Galatians 6:7 reads, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
We have many promises in the word of God. This is one of them. Will you choose to sow seeds of joy and peace in your home? Or those of discontent, anger, and bitterness? When you purpose in your heart to be happy and soft spoken, meek and lowly, as Jesus, your family will reap the rewards. Will you reap in happy, obedient children? Remember that your decision to be happy in every situation you find yourself in, your family will follow. (Acts 26:2, Philippians 4:11) You will be a blessing to your husband, and he will find in you a sanctuary. Your home will be pleasing not only to the Lord, but also to your favorite person, your husband. (Proverbs 31:11)
