Harmony Within

A home is only as beautiful as the harmony within it.  I don’t know about you, but I’d prefer to live in a shack where peace abounds than in a mansion with discord. And so would our children, I’m sure of it.

Some things we try to practice here (never perfectly but always striving):

Everyone gives a cheerful "good morning" with a smile. It starts the day off right.

"A merry heart does good like a medicine."  Laugh together.  Take pleasure!

Show consideration by saying please and thank you and I’m sorry. Simple courtesies are often neglected with those closest to us.

When we are tempted to raise our voice, lower it instead. “The sweetness of lips increases learning” and “A gentle answer turns away wrath.”.  Good ones to commit to memory.  Recite as needed.  (even if it's 100 times a day!)

When someone is speaking to us, look them in the eye and give full attention. So much communication can be lost because we don’t truly listen.

Encourage praise amongst siblings… “Do you see how sweetly Caleb is playing with his sister? He is always so patient with her, don’t you think?”

But more importantly, model praise with our spouse. Little ones are watching and always learning.  From us!

And this rounds it all out: "Pleasant words are like the honeycomb, sweet to the soul and health to the bones."  And ultimately... health to our homes.


References:

Proverbs 17:22
Proverbs 16:21
Proverbs 15:1
Proverbs 16:24