Saturday, September 30, 2017

Saturday Scriptures-The Blessings of Home

Finding A Peaceful Dwelling Place


Then my people will live in a peaceful habitation. And in secure dwellings and in undisturbed resting places. (Isaiah 32:18)

My home is my safe space. It's where I feel most at peace when I am tired and stressed. I love the quiet and calm of our home and often longed to be there when I was still working. Now, in retirement, I am blessed to enjoy more time in my home and benefit from the respite of time spent here.

The concept of "home" is on my mind today. I spoke recently with a family member who will soon be moving into a new house. This person is in the throes of packing and preparing  and all that comes with making a move to a new house. It exhausts me to think about all of that and makes me glad that, for us, this is a time of being settled and not preparing to move. 

The thought occurs to me that there is a difference between a "house" and a "home."  Any dwelling can house a human being, but not every dwelling is a home. Many houses are filled with strife, arguing, dissension, instability and fear. They may be a structure that provides some aspect of shelter, but houses like this do not give the warmth and nurture that a true home provides for the people who live within. 

I am grateful that my house is also a home...a habitation where there is peace and security and undisturbed resting places. And I pray that your habitation is a "home" as well.

Blessings,

8 comments:

Lay said...

I, too, am grateful everyday for a safe and secure, peaceful home and not having to move since 1996 after years of military moves. The making of the home it is today had been a process, physically, mentally, and emotionally. It is a joy to see how our family had grown in number and in love and how our home is a special and wonderful gathering place. Thank you for this inspiring this reflection.

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

My home is my sanctuary also. Love your description of a home as it is what I have sought to make my whole life. God bless!

Karen said...

This sums up what a home should be. I have known that security at times, and i have known the strife. Working my way back to that peace and security. On a journey. ..

Sharon said...

When I read your post, I thought of all the people whose homes were damaged or destroyed by the catastrophic hurricanes this year. My heart goes out to all who have somehow lost their homes, been displaced, or are homeless for one reason or another. I recently heard a speaker at a local university who talked about people who are evicted from their homes and how that affects every aspect of their lives. Just like you, my home is an important place of respite and safety for me. I am even more grateful for my home after becoming more aware of those who are without homes.

Debbie Styles Life said...

Thank you Laura, Carol, Karen and Sharon, for sharing your lovely thoughts about home. Peace in the week ahead.

Linda said...

Beautifully stated, Debbbie.
We are in the process of selling the family farm and moving to a smaller place. I am the fourth generation living here. It has been my sanctuary for 70 years with the lovliness of nature all around. I am at peace and God's timing has been felt by me. There are many unknowns yet to be discovered, but I am trusting God to walk with us and praying for our next location to become "home" and my new sanctuary.

Debbie Styles Life said...

Blessings to you, Linda, as you go through the transition of selling the family farm and creating a new "home" in a different place. May you feel peace in this transition. Sending you prayers.

julie Wunder said...

There really is no place like home! Glad you have your happy place!