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By Betsy Ore Glass

“But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 14:15 NIV

The dictionary tells us that “home” means a residence or a refuge. It is a place where domestic affections are centered. This week we are closing on a new home. We have many hopes of fond times to be had in the future under this new roof. We consider it a gift to be able to do this and are so grateful.

Homes can reflect our individual personality. Our tastes are reflected in the way we use color on the wall, in our furnishings and the paintings we display. Setting all that aside though, a home should reflect warmth and be welcoming to those that enter. A safe place. Perhaps even a sanctuary of solitude and peace that we can share with others in need.

How often do we get caught up in possessions? We may even convince ourselves we can’t be happy until we get this or that for the house. Talking ourselves into not having friends over until the floor is replaced or the kitchen gets painted. If we do this, we are off the mark. It doesn’t matter how much or how little we have, none of it matters if we have a place of rest and comfort where we can pray, talk with our friends, share a meal or a cup of coffee with others.

Having a godly home is evident the moment you walk in the door. Or it should be. This quote from Jani Ortlund summarizes it beautifully: “I believe that a godly home is a foretaste of heaven. Our homes, imperfect as they are, must be a haven from the chaos outside. They should be a reflection of our eternal home, where troubled souls find peace, weary hearts find rest, hungry bodies find refreshment, lonely pilgrims find communion, and wounded spirits find compassion.” I have been in beautifully decorated homes with everything in place, but the home was cold. When God is allowed to take up residence in our homes, it is reflected in all ways. There is warmth, peace, security and solitude to be found. Let’s us not forget joy and love that He brings to us. Now is a good time to take stock of what message our home if reflecting. And as we begin to decorate for the holidays, let Gods’ Presence be felt.

Betsy Ore Glass has long-standing ties to the Outer Banks. From Virginia Beach, her family bought a vacation cottage in the 60s and her love of the area began. Later in the 90s, Betsy and her husband bought a weekend cottage and introduced the area to their children. Then Betsy’s parents retired to KDH where the family gathered often. Reach her at betsyglass1@gmail.com. To learn more about her book, Reflections by the Sea, visit betsyoreglass.com.

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