...The Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV)
When you look at the appearance of your house, do you get discouraged? Can you imagine what it would be like if it were just "picked up", had "splash of paint", or if you had that coffee table you've had your eye on for "an eternity"?
As humans, we're big into appearances. Look around you. Magazines to renovate, remodel, and restore your home. Commercials with attractive models grace the screen. You don't have to look hard before you run into some way to improve some thing some where. With all this hype towards aesthetics, it's easy to get caught up in it all, leaving you with the feeling there's something you need to do, or have done, in order for things to be beautiful and in order.
While the examination of your house is necessary to get it clean and organized, it's more important to not get so wrapped up in the outer appearance of it that you forget to make it your home. A house is just "a building in which people live", but a home is more. A home is "a place in which one's domestic affections are centered" (Webster's American Family Dictionary). There is a difference. Your house is what you have. Your home is what you create. Your house is what it is. But your home is what you feel. The more emphasis you have on your house, the more at risk you become of having less of a home for you and the rest of your family living there.
While getting your house organized, don't forget to look at it as God looks at us. Go to the "heart" of your home when you need to see how it really looks. Look past the repairs. Look beyond the messes. Instead, look at your family. Look at you. What is it that the Lord sees when He sees your home?
Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Please help me to not get so focused on the outer appearance of my house that I put aside my home. Even though I am behind and need to get many things done, I don't want my family to suffer. Please help me maintain a balance that will help me to get ahead and still create a welcoming atmosphere for all who dwell here. I pray that our home will be one that my husband longs to come home to while away, and our children look back on with fond memories. I also pray that when You look at my heart, You would be pleased. Continue to guide me and look at things through Your eyes.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
© 2004 Amy Verlennich
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