Comtemplating Hearth and Home
A Taste of Home: What Defines Home?
Wherever a true woman comes, home is always around her. The stars may be over her head, the glow-worms in the night-cold grass may be the fire at her feet; but home is where she is; and for a noble woman it stretches far around her, better than houses ceiled with cedar or painted with vermilion, shedding its quiet light far for those who else are homeless. —John Ruskin
What does your home taste like? Italian food: pizzas, pasta, crusty bread? Mexican dishes: tamales, enchiladas, and piquant salsas? Roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and tender, flaky rolls? Something sweet, something savory, served in heartfelt love?
What does your home smell like? Sugar and spice? The scent of vanilla and almond, lavender and lemon? Just-mown grass, well-loved sports equipment, slightly damp and needs-a-bath dog? Just-baked cookies, apple pie with cinnamon, fresh flowers, a favorite soap?
What does your home look like? Favorite collectables from vacations; photos, old and new; a family tree of faces? Shelves lined with personal touches: books and antiques, odds and ends, curios and knickknacks? Bulletin boards lined with events and accomplishments? Spiritual sensibilities emanating from framed prints of Christ and temples and heavenly scenes of grandeur? Fishing poles and camp gear? Clutter that celebrates life!
What does your home sound like? Heavenly choirs, dance beats, sacred hymns, childhood songs of delight? Voices joined in praise, voices expressing concern and love? Your husband’s deep, rolling laughter; the joyful sound of children playing; bedtime stories; stories of Jesus? Vacuuming and the clatter of dishes being washed, the playful clamor of beloved pets, the chatter of dear friends, the constant company of a busy washer and dryer?
Today, spend some time thinking about what the sensory aspects of your home currently are and about what you dream and desire them to be.