Sometimes it’s all we can do just get out of bed in the morning, stumble into the kitchen for a cup of something hot and strong, wash our face and clear our eyes. Let alone do all the other tasks that are required to start the day – whether you’re a mother, daughter, sister or wife – you know this feeling. The feeling of exhaustion, overwhelming burden and constant weariness. We have all been there. The question isn’t just how to overcome the feelings and start the day, but also how to combat the feelings in the first place.
How do we create a scenario where we don’t face these feelings in the morning? A way to keep the exhaustion at bay, keep peace in our heart and a bounce in our step every morning, even if we’re not particularly a morning person?
Create a Sanctuary
The word Sanctuary is defined by Webster as the protection that is provided by a safe place. We often use this word in reference to our church or house of worship – the Sanctuary where we worship the Lord as a body of believers. However, this word in its original intent, was meant to refer to a place of protection or shelter. What better place to find protection and shelter than in our own homes?
Set the tone of your home with intentional prayer
In Scripture, we find reference to sanctuary, peace and shelter in many areas, however Psalm 31 is one of my very favorite chapters. Here is one particular passage from the chapter: “Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted from grief; my soul and my body also…my strength fails because of my iniquity, and my bones waste away…how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you…in the cover of your presence you hide them…”
One of the most effective ways you can change the tone of your morning is the preparation and expectations you set before you go to bed at night, and how you awake in the morning. We read above that the Psalmist is very honest in his troubles, his physical and mental woes, and yet, he doesn’t lose sight of the goodness and mercies of the Lord. As women, we often set the tone for our homes, for how the mornings will begin, and on what note the evenings will end. How important that we choose to intentionally create a space of rest, relaxation and rejuvenation through Scripture and positive words in our homes. It’s as simple as waking with the alarm and whispering “Lord, be with me today. Thank you for one more day to worship You.”
Eliminate the Unnecessary
We often fill our spaces with things that we feel add significance or luxury to our lives, but in reality, they are cluttering up not only our physical space, but often our mental space as well. If you have to move that knick-knack every time you come home and set your keys down, is it adding to your daily routine and enjoyment or taking away? Don’t get me wrong, pretty things are always fun, but we need to remind ourselves that enough is a good thing. More is not always better. When we are able to eliminate the clutter on the inside, it will be easier to let go of the things outside that simply take up space and extra time.
SIMPLIFY your life
There are so many articles out there today about balancing your home through zen techniques and feng shui, but the best advice is simple: SIMPLIFY your life. Sit down with your family, look at your schedule, take a good, hard look at your budget – in what ways is your life contributing to your home as a sanctuary, and in what ways is it taking away from that overall restful peaceful feeling?
We all come home at night. We all want a place to truly call home. How much more meaningful could our homes become if we made an effort to recreate them as sanctuaries of the Lord’s peace and a place of rejuvenation and rest? You are a beautiful women of godly intention – let your home reflect that inner beauty and peace.
A few extra resources:
5 ways to make your morning better 30 day minimalism challenge: a fresh start 5 steps to a more peaceful morning Start now: simplify your home