Breath of Home

Ever hear of the two frogs drowning in a bucket of cream? One frog, seeing his friend was ready to give up, encouraged him to keep kicking. Ever the optimist, this frog hoped that eventually, the cream would turn to butter. When it did, they’d hop out. But in the meantime…a whole lotta kicking was in order.

This post is for those of you who have returned home from the ACFW conference, nostalgic and hopeful. You’ve perhaps found things have piled up in your absence. Your WIP is calling but so is your family.

Let the WIPs rest, and roll up your sleeves. Sweeten your homecoming by getting your house and relationships in order. Here are a few ideas to get you started…

Early morning:

• Open the windows and let in autumn air, just remember to shut them before the day’s temps rise!
• Snatch some time in God’s word. Might I suggest Hebrews 13 as you go about this ‘sacrifice of praise’?
• Plan supper. Set out meat to thaw or start something in the crockpot. Chicken Fetticini, maybe? You’ll be ahead, and there’s nothing like the satisfaction of knowing the evening meal is on stand by.

Mid-morning:

• Take a coffee break and catch up on emails, but set the timer, you don’t want to lose track of time today!
• Tackle something. Laundry? Bathroom? You know what it is that needs doing. What are you waiting for? (More ideas to motivate)

After lunch:

• Finish up your housekeeping, doesn’t have to be perfect, just clean enough that the world knows “I’m home”! Then light a candle and call it good.
• Have a game plan for the evening. Can you make time for a game of scrabble with the kids/spouse? Or maybe dig out a few of your favorite books from childhood. For me these would include:
  • The Best Loved Doll by Rebecca Caudill
  • The Flicka, Ricka, and Dicka books by Maj Lindman
• Fresh sheets are a must. Nothing says welcome home better. And you’ve got to try this tip from Clothesline Alley:
  • Mix 1/2 teaspoon tea tree oil with 1/2 cup water and store in a jar. Add a few teaspoons to your laundry water to use as a “dust mite eradicator” or just to scent your sheets!

At some point, shower and relax. Think of the evening ahead and pray that God blesses it.

Tomorrow belongs to your WIP!