HOME: it’s more than a place; it’s territory to reclaim

In a world that’s self-focus, my heart is to reclaim a part of womanhood: HOME.

Home is where your heart is. But, is your heart at home?

First off, what does reclaim even mean? Webster’s Dictionary 1828 says reclaim is

• to claim back; to demand to have it returned

• to bring back to correct course of life

• to reduce to the state desired

• to recover

Home is worth the fight in this culture. Home is worth demanding it be returned, to bring back to its desired course in our life. Home must be desired, stewarded, and cultivated. (yes, even on hard days). For out of the heart (home) springs the essence of life.

When my kids were little, I was so intentional about home and the time I invested in my kids. Field trips, one on ones, patience of explaining or teaching them things. Then they started to grow. I have teenagers now. I don’t get to take everyone on field trips. I’m usually seeing my oldest on Life360 as I pass him on the highway. I’m headed to bed as they come home from work. Life is different. BUT the intentionality remains the same.

My one on one looks different. I don’t sit and play blocks on the floor anymore. We go to lunch or have coffee. (I love that I have coffee drinkers).

My explanations and teachings aren’t for them to learn something new. It’s now to guide them to make wise decisions.

My time at home isn’t over. And it’s a lie to believe that “you’re a good mom when the kids are small,” “you have more patience when they’re little,” or “moms can only be encouraging or sought out if their children are small.” Not true. The world needs moms of teenagers and young adults as well.

The foundation of what my home looks like has been laid, but the building blocks still need to be put in place.

Home isn’t just about raising godly men and women. It’s about reclaiming the word HOME. Making it a haven. It’s meal prepping for busy schedules, homemade around the table, discipling and teaching growing hearts, guiding youth into adulthood and cozy spaces for creativity. It’s a place to relax, unwind and feel safe. That means cultivating peace over stress, calm over chaos and training over tantrums.

Here I am! Reclaiming home and what it produces and stands for. So let me ask you...

• What is coming out of your home?

• What are you reclaiming that has been hijacked or stolen?

• When the fruit of your home is crushed, what does it produce? It is junk or the finest oil used for sacrifice.