Where Love Abides

I grew up in a very small home – one living room, a kitchen, two bedrooms, and a small bath. There were four of us living in that space which was probably, at most, one thousand square feet. I don’t recall feeling cramped or poor, but I’m sure we were at times. What I do recall are meals around a small table, a warm bed with clean sheets, listening to music on the record player in the living room, and laughter as we sat and talked with one another.

Jim grew up in a home which was about the same size as the one where I grew up, but it was a much older home. Since he had no brothers or sisters, there were only three people in their home. I have never heard him talk in a negative way about his childhood home. When I began dating Jim and visited in his home, I recall a happy place that was always neat, clean and comfortable.

Last week our children and their families came to our new, smaller home to spend a few days with us and enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday. I’m ashamed to tell you how much I worried about not having enough space for everyone. 

You see, four months ago we sold our 5 bedroom, 3 bath home and downsized to a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home. We went from 2600 square feet down to just under 1600 square feet. I was convinced that our time together with our family could not possibly be as much fun as it had been before because we would all be crammed together in that small home – eleven of us.

I was so wrong. I learned some valuable lessons.

A sunroom turned into a bunkhouse where all the grandkids sleep on blow up mattresses is lots of fun and a memory they will always have to share.

Thoughtful children who planned a fun program of performances by each of the children and grandchildren for our enjoyment are so precious to us no matter where they take place.

Laughter sounds great everywhere.

Games are just as much fun whether they are played in a big house or a small one.

Singing sounds just as beautiful no matter what size the room is.

Quiet, late-night conversation among the adults is just as precious no matter where it takes place.

A daughter and a daughter-in-law are just as helpful in a smaller kitchen as they were in a larger one.

I need to always remember my roots and the lessons I learned in that small childhood home.

It is very important to be grateful for that with which we have been blessed – large or small.

Where love abides, the size of the home doesn’t matter.

“…foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”  Matthew 8:20

—————-

To Receive Every Post via Email for Free, Click Here