04.03.09 The 5th Key for Adding Value to Your Home
5. Make Family Members Feel at Home
The desire to make my family members comfortable has always been my priority, right from our one-bedroom days to present.
In the case of the Shunamite woman, we see that she found a place for the Man of God to stay, without breaking her family boundaries. His room was located in such a way that the Man of God would comfortably live with them without undue interference.
A value-adding home maker does all she can to ensure that each family member feel at home in his or her space as well as those common spaces.
Therefore, combine your feminine touch with the needs and desires of each family member. What adjustments would please them? You could invite them to share their ideas.
God’s desire is for us and our families to live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes and in undisturbed places of rest (Isaiah 32:18, NIV). So, the overarching guide is to create a space that has comfort, warmth, serenity, peace, safety and relaxation; an environment which is welcoming and hospitable, where you and your family members will feel at home; and where guests will enjoy ‘home away from home’.
By the way, did you know that a house is not necessarily a home? It is your touch that will convert that ‘building’ called a ‘house’ into a ‘home’. As a word of caution, remember that If the Lord does not build the house, the work of the builders is useless… (Psalm 127:1 GNT). In fact, a simple house is preferable to one that is posh but full of strife (Proverbs 17:1). Yes, we are to build houses and live in them, but God must be at the centre otherwise it is all in vain. Therefore, be careful not to idolise your house, however magnificent you may make it look. We are just caretakers.
Cleanliness is a must. Therefore, train and remind family members to clean up any mess they make and keep things
Proverbs 14:1 says (NKJV): 1The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands; and Proverbs 24:3-4 which reads:3Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; 4by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.