The Purpose of a Home

 

 

This is a photo I took of our home right before we moved in.  Without asking ourselves the question "What is the purpose of our home?" our homemaking, we can lose sight of the significance of this role.  Here are the top 6 answers I came up with...  along with more questions that it posed!

1. The home as a place of rest.

My home should be a place to welcome home my husband and children! They face many battles throughout their day.  Therefore; they deserves a joyful welcoming.  So I ask myself.... Do they eagerly look forward to coming home?

2. The home as a place of learning.

It should have a continual atmosphere of learning, both for myself and my children. Am I seeking to help my children grow and learn so that they have the opportunity to choose their own paths and be capable of living on their own and caring for themselves and their own homes and families? What kind of lessons can I teach while we live our daily lives in this home ?

3. The home as a place of safety.

I've always wanted to have a home for my family where they feel they can get away from social pressures and from judgement.  One place where they can be themselves and be completely and wholly accepted.  How can I help instill self esteem and give them a sanctuary away from the rest of the world?

4. The home as a place to grow gratitude.

It should be a place where we strive to see the goodness in our lives and mark it with gratitude.  I would love to raise children that love to give as well as receive. Does an atmosphere of thankfulness pervade my home? How can I be more purposeful in cultivating this in my home? Is the conversation around our dinner table one that encourages each other instead of breaking each other down?

5. The home as a place to welcome friends.

It is quite easy for me to overlook the messes that take over my house and play with the children or do any number of other things that I have on my goal list for the day.  But I really feel I need to be more aware of how my family sees those messes.  It is their responsibility to help, but it is my responsibility to teach them to help (look for a follow up post in regards to this.  Anne has a plan!)  and if I am being honest with myself,  it wouldn't hurt me to put the things aside that I am doing and tidy up before they get home .

6. The home as a place that our children will some day return to.

With my and my husband's eldest children turning 18 within the next 18 months it's really laid it on my heart that this house will not always be my children's primary home.  What am I doing each day to make it a place of fond memory and love?  Somewhere they will want to bring their families after they have flown the coop.

 

What do you feel are the most important purposes of your home?