How I Intentionally “Built” My Home This Week

In this recent post, I suggested…

Every day do one thing to build your home. 

Being inspired by Ina Garten’s quote that said, A good home should gather you up in his arms like a warm cashmere blanket, soothe your hurt feelings, and prepare you to go back out into that big bad world tomorrow all ready to fight the dragons” I wondered how I had accomplished this in my home this week.

As I thought back on it, here’s what I came up with –

• I made homemade French Bread for our sandwiches for the week.
• I put together Hydrangea bouquets for several spots in the house.
• I went through my closet and got rid of a few clothing items and shoes.
• I straightened the hall closet.
  I turned on soft lighting during the rainy days.
• I played my Amazon playlist through all the speakers in the house.

There are many ways to make those in our home feel like they’re wrapped in that “cashmere blanket” Ina Garten spoke about – like making a favorite meal or snack. One night my husband asked me to make popcorn – one of our favorite snacks. We took it out to the back porch and watched the sun set while we swung on the swing and munched our salty treat.

Turning the bed down for your husband,your children or your house guests is a gesture of love and of royalty!

Creating a special place for a hobby or homework, rearranging a bedroom to work more effectively, or even organizing drawers so they’re more functional are all ways to build your home.

I have to admit, however, that I can sadly look back on the week and see some destructive behaviors I had. A grumbling spirit, an accusatory heart before knowing all the facts, or an overwhelmed mind did some damage that had to be repaired. Yes, this “foolish woman tore down with her hands.” Proverbs 14:1 It certainly doesn’t take as much energy as building! It just comes rushing in, unguarded and unwanted. I’m thankful for a forgiving husband and a loving Heavenly Father Who loves me too much to let me stay in my sin.

Confess. Forgiven. Start building again.

How did you do at building your home this week?