My home is decorated with a Godly heritage, and the decorating has taken years. I thought about this fact as I cradled my hot cup of coffee during a pause in my Christmas decorating.
Surveying the living room and kitchen from my perch on the couch, I noticed the hole in the vinyl floor covering in front of the oven. The hole appeared about a week after the vinyl was put in when one of my sons dropped a hot skillet onto it.
I’ve kept a kitchen throw rug over the hole in the years since the “christening.” Today, the rug is in the laundry for a weekly cleaning. The laundry room floor, as well the hallway, is the original vinyl, over 27 years old. *sigh*
You’d think by now we would have replaced it all, but with the cost of raising six kids and other expenses that come with life, we haven’t.
There. I’ve said it. My house reminds me of my grandmother’s–old, worn in places, and holding memories in each bump and bruise.
A godly heritage found in an old farmhouse in Finland
This last summer we stayed in an old farmhouse while visiting Finland for our son Jonathan’s wedding. As soon as I walked in the door I felt the spiritual atmosphere of a godly heritage lived out in that home.
The small house stood empty now, but the memories smiled at me from the photos on the walls and the stash of knitted mittens in the mudroom.
Loving family had lost a baby daughter and raised godly sons under a roof that kept the dark winters outside.
Scrapbooks revealed a routine of worship services held in the main living area. Something else besides the physical memories lingered in that place–a sense of peace.
The week we spent in that home remains one of my fondest memories of Finland.
Call me odd, but I’ve been an intercessor long enough to know that the physical realm is often influenced by the spiritual realm and visa versa.
When a house has held prayer meetings, laughter, tears, and the daily living of honest Christian folk, there remains a sense of the Lord’s presence.
You can feel it, and it wells up within your spirit connecting you with the kindred spirits who birthed the things of God in that house.
If you come to my home, you won’t find fancy decorating or the latest furniture styles. You’ll just find peace, people, and lots of books stacked next to each couch and comfy chair. Royal Rangers have graced my halls as well as many home groups and prayer meetings.
Most of the children have been raised…
…and the lessons taught and learned.
Some of the dishes are chipped and the glasses don’t match, and that is how I like it. My house is almost done with its role in raising a godly heritage.
I believe a little of our spiritual legacy has been deposited in this house for the next family who lives here. I hope they feel God here.
Are you decorating your home with a godly heritage? Are you leaving a spiritual legacy in the place where you live? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.
(For more on this subject of creating a godly heritage in the place where you live, see my post “Is Your Home a Thin Place?“)
Hugs,
Susan
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This Post Has 5 Comments
You are so right Susan! My daughter told me today I wasn’t near retirement, I had been promoted to grandma. I like her thinking. There are so many places and times in life to add the grace and mercy of Christ. My floor is also dinged and coming up at the seams, but no one seems to notice the things that don’t matter. They DO notice the Presence of our Lord. Merry Christmas friend!
I’d much rather have the chipped whatever with a home of love and devotion than the magazines I used to think held the better ideal. As you grow older you gain apprecaition for the simple things infused with meaning!
Marry Christmas to you too, Sherry. Being promoted to grandma is awesome, isn’t it. My littlest granddaughter (3 years old) walked in today and made my day. She was so excited over the Christmas decorations. I love that about grandkids. They add the sparkle that lights and glass bulbs can’t.
Agreed, Lilly. I think Tom appreciates me more as he grows older and I grow simpler (and I think I’m infused with meaning. I know I’m infused with something…).
This is so incredibly true: “When a house has held prayer meetings, laughter, tears, and the daily living of honest Christian folk, there remains a sense of the Lord’s presence.”
We have always held prayer meetings (and some discipleship) in our home, so that is part of what I want people to feel as they enter the threshold….the grace of Christ and the welcome presence of the Holy Spirit. Beautiful! Pinned it! Tweeting tomorrow! Blessings from “Espressos of Faith”!
I know what you mean. When we had to leave our home and move into our daughter’s house, we rented our home to a Christian family. Later, after they moved, we rented it to another couple, who weren’t Christians. Within about four months, they began attending church. A few weeks later, they accepted the Lord, and are still serving Him today in that house! Praise the Lord!