My "Lived In" Home

Jan 22, 2015

Dear Sisters in Faith,

As you step into my home, you won't find perfection. Instead, you'll encounter a space filled with life, love, and the beautiful mess that comes with it.

To the right, you'll see what we affectionately call "Nathan's table." It's a far cry from those beautifully adorned dining room tables you see in magazines. Nathan, my 15-year-old son with autism, has made it his own. This table is a snapshot of his world - puzzles, word games, books, CDs, and whatever else piques his curiosity. It's his canvas for creativity, a sacred space where he feels free to be himself.

And that's the essence of our home - it's lived in. You'll find the remnants of yesterday's card game by the kitchen table, a living room scattered with books and magazines, and those elusive living room pillows never where they should be.

Perfection may grace the pages of magazines, but in my home, it's the imperfections that tell our story. It's the evidence of a family living, learning, and loving. We're not obsessed with keeping up appearances; we're focused on nurturing the hearts and minds of our children.

So, dear sisters, if you ever worry that your home doesn't measure up to some unattainable standard, remember "lived in" is beautiful. Embrace the mess, for within it lies the treasures of laughter, togetherness, and a home where hearts are molded.

As we open our hearts to the Lord's grace, let's also accept the wonderful messiness of life. After all, in our Savior's eyes, our lived-in homes are perfect just the way they are.

Blessings and grace,

Tamara K. Anderson

Bible References:

Psalm 127:3 (KJV) - "Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward."
Psalm 139:14 (KJV) - "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works, and that my soul knoweth right well."
Proverbs 31:27 (KJV) - "She looketh well to the ways of her household and eateth not the bread of idleness."

My "Lived In" Home

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