Imagine if every person in this world had a roof over his head, a tummy that was full of good food, a job that provided for his family, and chance to pursue his dreams? What if there was no fear of being hurt or persecuted for one's color or faith or language? What if each child was loved and cared for by someone? What if when that child closed her eyes at night, she knew that tomorrow would hold a bright future?
I'm describing sanctuary - and it's what every person in this entire world longs for, fights for, hopes for and works for. It's why we go out and earn money, and look for a spouse and create families. It's why people defend their land and way of life...so that they can have a small piece of sanctuary on this earth. A place of peace and acceptance, satisfaction and joy, beauty and order.
We were created for sanctuary.
I believe it is written into our souls. Ultimately, it makes us long for heaven and an eternal relationship with God, but on this little world, it can feel much smaller in scale.
I believe that sanctuary is a powerful force for good. In families, it means that there is a sense of well-being that permeates relationships. It means that there is enough structure and organization that children can go into the world with a sense of purpose and accomplishment. It means that each person can be who they are without fear of rejection or ridicule. There is beauty in the surroundings that stirs each soul to think higher thoughts and dream.
Sanctuary isn't an absence of conflict, it's a commitment to listening and understanding. It's not a zen-like existence, but it's a place where there is a decision to shut out some of the noise of the world outside. It's about creating a home where each individual can thrive.
Sometimes that means doing loads of laundry so that my kids can find clean clothes to wear. Sometimes it means waiting up for a teenager to come home and listening to tale after tale of high school drama when your body is crying out for sleep. Sometimes it means cleaning toilets, making lunches, changing diapers, checking homework, pulling weeds, straightening closets, or kissing boo-boos.
There is work that goes into it.
But when there is a purpose to it, that makes all the difference.
As moms, so much of sanctuary is in your power to create.
You can choose a lifestyle that promotes peacefulness and order, no matter what is going on around you. You can bring beauty to your home, no matter what your budget. It's a mindset that is proactive, rather than reactive. It's a decision to make something good happen inside your four walls.
Sanctuary, simply put, is this:
Peace, Order, and Beauty.
Each day, choose to do something that promotes these pillars of sanctuary. This simple decision will revolutionize your home and family, I promise. And I believe there is a ripple that affects our communities and the world outside.
Oh, look. I've gone long this morning. So I'll continue this in a short series instead of cramming it all in today. Let's take a little time to unpack this idea and see what it really looks like, ok?
Let me ask you: what does a home sanctuary look like to you? Is this something you long for? How can you promote peace, order and beauty in your life today?
