There has been great need for the walls of our homes to be fortresses of safety from the beginning of time. From wind and rain, the heat, the cold...safety from all the elements is important. However, even more important is protection from the storms of the evil one. There is a rampant attack on all that is good in this life, most importantly, the family! In our modern era we are convinced that what the media says is correct, that Facebook Likes and Selfies are what bring happiness, that lyrics in a song don't mean a thing, that the make-up of a family doesn't matter, that animals are more important than people, that phones are another appendage, that one should get everything for nothing, to not respect ones elders...the list could go on and on. Society truly has stooped to a level of mediocrity that is causing a crumbling of moral value.
Right now James is reading a book called "Men of Valor" and he's been sharing it with me during late night feedings with my little man sometimes. It talks about and shares traits and habits that make good, really good, men. I have LOVED it!! The author shares this great line in one of his chapters:
~ Robert D Millet
This line rang out very loud to me. We busy our lives with lots and lots of thin things. Do we care about our spouse, our children, our grandparents..before we care about our outfit for the day or answering that text message? There are many things of importance but what is MOST important? Those are the things that should take up the thick of our time. What a great need there is to disconnect from our devises and worldly "to-dos" and really take a thick soak in the things that matter most!
It makes me think of the great story of Martha and Mary. As Jesus is teaching what was the most important thing to be doing? Not the dishes that's for sure. And dishes aren't a bad thing (well, they're definitely not fun to do!) but they were not as important as pausing to listen to the son of God. Do we pause to listen, really listen, to our children or our friends in need.
Where do (should) we learn of the things of most importance? In the home. Our homes and families have the perfect make up to teach us of things of value. An apostle once stated,
"The place to cure most of the ills of society is in the homes of the people."
~ Joseph B. Wirthlin
In the very walls of our homes we have the potential to teach and focus on those things that make the world a better place. If we are seeking more peace in this world, less societal problems, a decrease in crime, a boost in economy and creativity and so much more, it must start in the home. So begin now to fortify your fortress and keep the storms out!!
