Harmony: An environment of pleasant acceptance and secure love.
1 Timothy 2:2-3
Our homes should be our safe havens, a shelter and a place where we are loved for who we are. Can you come home after a rough day and take a sigh of relief when you walk in your door? Do you know that someone in your home will love you and want to hear about your day? What if your answers to these questions are no?
Let’s roll up our sleeves and look into why your house may not be a harmony house!
Let’s start with you and your spouse. Is your spouse your best friend? Do you have the freedom to openly share with one another your hurts, concerns and thoughts without judgement? Do you feel heard and understood by your spouse? Does your spouse care for you (meet your needs, take time for you, love you in a way that you know it well)? Do you care for her/him?
How is your level of intimacy? (I am not talking just the physical part.) Intimacy is when you can be vulnerable with one another and have freedom in doing so. Intimacy is kind words and holding hands. Intimacy is taking notice of your spouse and what he/she needs. What about your spiritual relationship? Do you talk to one another about what God has been teaching you lately, do devotions, talk about doubts, praise God and pray together? All of these areas in your marriage can lead to a house of harmony.
Let’s look at the children in your home. What does your relationship look like with them? Is it combative, frustrating or led by God? Children in general can be very demanding. Most times children focus only on themselves, thinking the world revolves around them. It is your job as a parent to teach them that it doesn’t, though they are very important but, not the only one who is. You can spend a lot of energy being frustrated with your children leading to less harmony in the home, or you can take the time to discipline and instruct correctly. When our children are young, we cannot be their best friend but … as time goes by and they become an adult an amazing transformation happens…we become peers! Until that time though, we need to be the voice of loving, wise instruction and correction in their lives.
Your friends and extended family play a part in harmony in your house, as well. Do friends and extended family respect your boundaries when it comes to your immediate family? Do they understand that they are important, but your main focus is your spouse and children first? Parents can demand attention of their grown children and forget that he/she have new priorities. A gentle reminder, in a loving way may be needed.
Our daily choices have a direct impact on a harmony house or not! How we choose to care for and love one another have direct effects on the harmony in our home. What areas do you struggle with? May we help in any way? We are here for you!