Just imagine it. My husband is out of town. He calls first thing in the morning and asks what is planned for my day. I told him I was a little unsure. I was going to be in my house, basically alone for four hours. Wasn't quite sure how that would play out. I got all geared up to produce from my recliner. I had all my papers, a laptop, pen, you know the stuff all within arms reach.
I had even lit candles and built a fire. I was ready to settle in.
Then in comes my daughter that no longer lives with us (a sad story, another day). She
is a whirlwind all by herself. We are gabbing and in comes two more of her friends. They brought homegrown fresh pecans in a huge basket. So we were having a "Pecan Fest". It was all very fun. Then Jesse comes with another couple of his friends. So I ended up spending the afternoon visiting with a bunch of young adults. After they all left I cleaned up the pecan mess.
Totally fun. I called my husband and thanked him for working hard so I could stay home and be available for times like that. If I were working they all would have fun without me but it wouldn't have been the same. I felt privileged to be a part.
Today I was starting Nancy Campbell's, "Gate-Keeper" Bible study. Here is a quote from page 1. "The home is where everything should be happening. It is not a place to vacate but a place to live and fulfill your destiny. The home should be a hub of activity." I have spent years brainwashing myself that home is where I wanted to be. I have succeeded so much I can be a bit phobic at times about leaving. I love my home.
May you be led of the Lord in your busy-ness, in your home making, in your priorities. I know I haven't got the perfect family to set the example but I think our culture has skewed us on "home" and I want to encourage you in the Word that our homes are a part of God's plan and your being a keeper at home is God designed.
Sincerely, Pam Rinas
One more point I want to make about my sister’s day. What if she
would have held onto her plans for her time sitting in her recliner? After all, she had just sat down and was ready to do some study, to hear from God or some writing, to influence women for God.
As “intruders” came in, she could have sent them to the basement
to have their “Pecan fest”. When the boys arrived she could have sent them to join the girls or insisted they be quiet so she could focus on her task at hand. In other words, she could have been in her home and still missed this opportunity to bond with her children.
Her having a heart of availability allowed her to set aside her
agenda and enjoy the opportunity to meet with her children.
What I am trying to emphasize is there is a difference between
being in our home and being a keeper at home. While we are in our home, people are our priority! All other tasks are bonus, an outpouring of our living out our first priority.