How’s the Emotional Environment of Your Home? : It’s Your Call, Mama!
Not long ago Tim and I were talking about the dynamics of our home life. Especially as a single income home, for the most part the provisional/financial stability of our home depends on him, but the emotional stability of our home in large part depends on me. As wives and mothers, we dictate the emotional environment for our homes. We’ve all heard the phrase, “If mama’s not happy nobody’s happy.” And I believe there is a lot of truth to that.
If I’m stressed, frustrated and have a short fuse everyone can feel that energy…Tim, the kids, even the dog. There is nothing inherently wrong with these feelings. They are a normal part of life. But it is what we do with those feelings that makes the difference. Am I controlling them, or are they controlling me? (See Breaking Free From Controlling Emotions)
I must ask myself, am I believing the best of others? Am I slow to anger and quick to forgive? (James 1:19) When I slip up, am I quick to seek forgiveness, receive that forgiveness and jump back into striving to live out the joy of my salvation and let it splash onto all those in my house?
I must be continually praying to be controlled by love. Love is the key, and Christ said loving God and loving others is our most important job.
So please, as we find ourselves at the beginning of another new year, focus on the type of environment you want to create in your home. Seek the Lord’s help and strength to keep your entire being (mind, spirit and soul) controlled by love. Take some time to sit and pray over and meditate on this topic. How do you want people to feel in your home (not just guests, but your husband and children especially)? Make a list of the qualities you want to foster. Then list the things that could (or do) keep you from attaining these, and pray about ways to prevent or control those limiting factors. Remember to take every thought captive making it obedient to Christ and to love others as Christ loves you. (2 Cor. 10:5; John 13:34-35)
Take a deep breath, push the “restart” button, and begin right now allowing God to create a peaceful and joyful environment for your home and family. And let the change begin with you! (More great tips on this in my post Peaceful Mama = Peaceful Home.)
“Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands.” Proverbs 14:1
Here are a few great resources to get you motivated!
Living Beyond Your Feelings: Controlling Emotions So They Don’t Control You
The Difference Maker: Making Your Attitude Your Greatest Asset
31 Days to Becoming a Happy Mom
