[haven]

The squabbles broke out.
Regularly.
In fact, they still do sometimes.
As our little boys---and big boys, too---
exerted their wills,
hurled angry words at one another,
and caused undue pain,
it was my job to lovingly correct and discipline.

Almost every time,
I reminded them (and myself) that it's a cold, ugly world "out there."
Out there, we may be beat up,
laughed at,
and insulted.
Out there, we may feel alone
or battered
or rejected.

But in here, within these walls---
well, this is a safe place.
This is a haven from the outside world;
a shelter from the storm.
This is where we extend love and grace and forgiveness;
this is where we give and receive encouragement.
There is no room for name-calling
or tearing down with words.
Within these four walls is our haven.

God has entrusted us with the task of creating a home---a haven---for our loved ones.
Do their hearts soar, knowing that their bodies and souls will find refuge there?

"The wisest of women builds her house,

but folly with her own hands tears it down."

Proverbs 14:1