"...But Mommy, we are home."

Recently we celebrated our daughter Lydia’s third birthday. In an attempt to make the day one in which she knew she was cherished as a special part of our family, I prepared a variety of yummy treats and the lunch of her choice. The extra work and multitude of dishes are a small sacrifice that I don’t mind if it makes my sweet little girl feel special on her birthday.

As a mother of four little ones, I am devoted to making my home a place where they feel loved and valued for the person God has created them to be. Through the design of my home and the traditions that I build into our lives, I aspire to make our home a warm and welcoming place to all who enter. a place where cherished memories are made as my children grow in wisdom and favor with God and man.

Thinking about the fond memories I have from my own childhood, I remember my mom always working hard to make our lives enjoyable. During our growing up years, it didn’t matter what the day held, my mom seemed to approach life with a vibrant enthusiasm that was contagious.  She served her family with most (if not all) of her energy for years on end, desiring together with my father to lay a foundation of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for their children.

Building a heritage of faith at home will look differently in every family that pursues this goal. As I meditate on what that might look like for my own family, I am motivated to explore this pursuit, though we live in a totally different context than where I grew up. Rustic houses with lots of spiders and Christmas Day with sweat and dirt covering your face don’t exactly scream “wonderful memories” to my heart.

Yet as we prepare for our home assignment in Minnesota, I explained to my daughter that we are preparing to go HOME to Minnesota! With a strange and confused look in her eyes, Alicia cocked her head and said, “…but Mommy, we are home.” I didn’t know what to say. All the memories I have of my childhood and the things I love about where I came from are not the reality for my children. They are growing up in a different world, and they love life here.

So, what now? How am I going to live in the context where Christ has called us to spend this season of our lives? What expressions of beauty can be displayed in my home without appearing excessive to those around us? I know that God created me with a longing for beauty, and it is my desire to display it graciously throughout our lives and in our home. So am I willing to trust him enough to fulfill that longing, even in the midst of a home filled with dirt and bugs? For now, I have more questions than answers, but I know that as I continue to seek the Lord he will continue to reveal himself to me and daily renew my strength.