Have you ever desired for your home to be a showcase home? A home filled with treasures and beauty, where people come and take notice that your home is a place that is above average or even extraordinary? Surely in our daydreams or fantasies our homes may be adorned with beautiful furnishings and the finest of home materials! But in the real world, many of us have learned that the treasures of our home are the things that we have built into them. Treasures of love, patience, kindness and peace, which cannot be bought and are truly above any worldly value.
In the book of Daniel, the king was setting up leaders over the kingdom. Daniel was one of these, and some things about his character are noted in a few different translations: “because an excellent spirit was in him,” “because he had an extraordinary spirit,” “by his exceptional qualities” (Daniel 6:3). It was also noted in Daniel 6:4 - “They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.” Daniel stood out because of his excellent or extraordinary spirit, and as they sought to find something to hold against him, it was noted that he was not corrupt or negligent. WOW!
If we were to seek after “an excellent spirit, without negligence” in our homes, these qualities would make our homes a showcase home. A home in not measured by what is seen, but by the “feel” or the atmosphere of it. When the homemaker loves and cherishes her home, a beautiful atmosphere is created. If the homemaker is “too busy” and neglects the home, an atmosphere of neglect is also felt. When there is a desire for excellence in our homes, it is noticed and provides a wonderful opportunity to share about the Lord and how His love, grace, and peace is what sets our homes and lives apart.
Let’s take a quick look at what an excellent spirit in the home looks like:
An excellent spirit in the home begins with a love for the home and a constant effort to make the home pleasing to those who live there. What is the tempo of our homes? Some homes speak a language of action – activity with something always going on; some homes speak quietness and peace – a place to regroup and renew. Each home is different. A wise woman will build the home according to the song her family sings. An excellent homemaker seeks to know and create the individual home atmosphere. She constantly looks for ways to build and improve the home and to keep it running smoothly.
A negligent spirit tends to neglect the home. After all, it is easier to put off some of those tasks that we don’t really like to do! By putting things off, it becomes easier to put off other things, and after a while of things not getting done, things pile up in the home. It may be more fun to be engaged in activities outside the home, then we’re too busy to do the basic keeping of the home. It takes diligence to battle a negligent spirit, but it can be overcome.
The point of beginning is always in the heart or the attitude. When we purpose in our minds to strive for excellence, it engages action! Actions build into character, step by step. This is the beginning of the journey to an excellent spirit that is reflected in all that we say and do. An excellent spirit is not something that comes immediately, but is more like a journey. Looking at the Proverbs 31 woman, while we may not achieve her excellence in every area, her example is a pattern for us to follow diligently. Along that path, beautiful qualities become formed in our lives.
May our homes be filled with the grace and beauty of an excellent spirit and be made extraordinary by the love of the Lord which flows from our hearts.
It’s so important for us as women to understand that our homes are each unique. They shouldn’t all look like the pages of the same magazine. They must be different because we are different.
Praise the Lord for our uniqueness!
Amen, praise the Lord that we are unique. Thank you for your kinds words!
Great reminder – we do set the tone for our homes..and that tone does not have to be the same as anyone else’s home. How quick I am to compare..when I am called upon to manage only my own home – encouraging a sweet spirit:) Always enjoy Joyce’s posts!
Your kind words are such a blessing to me!
I am also too quick to compare and often need that reminder to mind my own home!
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Thanks for this great reminder! We have always pursued peace in our home. It is such a blessing when people visit and comment on how relaxed they feel (even amid stacks of toys) and how comfortable they are (even if we use plastic cups). I am in regroup mode right now, trying to regain control so that we can feel more free to entertain in our home, show hospitality and above all, honor my husband’s desire that things be neat!
OOHH, I have a neat husband too and understand the importance that brings! I enjoyed your thoughts on pursing peace in the home. Truly it will radiate through the toys, clutter and relaxed tableware!! Thanks for commenting today.
I like the part about adapting the style of the home to the song your family “sings.” This article was very encouraging to me. Thanks!
Thank you for your kind comment! Ours families are each unique and sometimes we just have to play their tune! Blessings to you.
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Thanks for the encouragement. I’m comfortable with the knowledge that my home cannot be a showplace…homeschooling stuff, toys, things that need repaired, etc….but I don’t want to be comfortable with neglecting to keep it neat and tidy.
Blessings to you,
Carol
A good word. I absolutely love your comment:”A wise woman will build the home according to the song her family sings.” so true and so wise. Blessings.