Before we jump into the content of this blog, we want to offer our sadness and support to those who have been injured and lost their homes in the California wildfires. This is tragic and our heartfelt condolences go out to anyone who finds themselves without a home. We do not want to be insensitive to this devastating situation. We hope that this blog can point us to the purpose of home that is found beyond the place you live.
When you think of the word home what comes to mind? The place where you grew up, your first apartment when you got married, or the space you live in now? No matter what home looks like to you, would you say that you want something more? At its best, the word home can make us feel comfortable, cozy, and relaxed. But what if the feeling that comes to your mind is discontentment with the space you inhabit? Your house is too small; your decor is outdated; you have roommates when you’d rather live alone; it feels like your apartment is never clean enough. Add those feelings to the picture-perfect houses we see on social media, and we are set up to find ourselves stir-crazy and in the comparison game.
Recently, I felt convicted of this myself with my own home. I live in a small house with my husband, toddler, and large dog. While there are many things about my home that I love, I found myself becoming discontented. I wish I had chosen a different painting for that room; maybe I should rearrange the living room again; if I could just get that new lamp I saw online. Some could argue this was creative energy, but I know that it came from a root of wanting more from the space God has given me.
Here are three steps I’m taking to become content with the space I inhabit:
1. Prayer
Ask the Lord to change your heart and be grateful for where He has you. As believers, we can find perspective when we think of how blessed we are with the gifts we’ve been given, no matter what they look like. We can also consider those who have so much less or even lack the essentials. That’s a quick heart-check to help us reconsider our wish list.
Additionally, if you find yourself longing for more from the space you live in, reflect on where that may be rooted. As believers in this world, we’ll always long for more because we know, as followers of Christ, that this world is not our home. Whenever we long for something more, let us ask God to bring a reminder to our hearts of the real thing we’re longing for. Still, we live in the “already” and “not yet.” Part of sanctification can look like admitting our discontentment over things of this world and asking God to make our hearts more like Him. When it comes to where we live, let us consider the One who did not have a place to lay His head.
2. Purpose
You are a steward of the gifts God gives you. If He’s given you a home—whether a big house or tiny apartment with roommates—you have the opportunity to show hospitality to others. What if the most important thing about your home is the people who enter it? How can you make space for them?
I attend church with a talented interior designer, Keva Atwood. She focuses her work on designing your home with the intention of “cultivating WITHNESS.” Meaning, the home should be a space where you enjoy the presence of others. She says, “My ideal home design exudes relaxation and ease—a place designed for enjoyment rather than to impress. It embraces humble materials and found objects, celebrating their charm and authenticity. This is a home where style and soul stand the test of time.”
Think about the purpose the space holds over the impressiveness of the space itself. Don’t hold back from hosting a baby shower because you feel like your decor is outdated. Invite your mentee over even when your living room is messy. The thing that people care about is you, not how impressive your space is.
3. Practical
Finally, here are some practical ways to make the most of the space that you have:
1. Use what you have.
I joked about rearranging my living room, but the movement of furniture based on the way that my family lives in the room or how people tend to sit when I invite them over allows the space to feel fresh and new even though the furniture and decor are the same. If you have a friend whose taste you like, ask them to come over! They can suggest ways you can rearrange any decor to freshen up the space. You don’t have to spend a large budget on new things to feel like your space is new.
2. Embrace the needs of your space.
Maybe you have space that was designed to be a dining room, but you need space for your kids to play. Find a small table that seats your family and place it in your kitchen or living room to allow the dining space to be a flex space. There are no rules when it comes to what will work best for your family. Don’t feel the need to stick to norms or formalities of what homes typically have. Make your space your own.
3. Use decor that tells a story.
Keva’s advises using vintage finds, heirlooms, or artwork with personal significance to add character to your space. If you need something for your home, start at a thrift store or Facebook Marketplace first, rather than a store with new items. This is a great way to be budget conscious and add uniqueness to your space. You don’t have to work off a big budget to have beautiful things in your home.
Home is a gift we can share with others to experience the warmth and care of the Lord. When we are prayerful, purposeful, and practical about the way we use our homes, we are more likely to be content with the homes that we have.
Read our blog for tips on organizing your home for a fresh start.
ABOUT SAVANNAH WARD
Savannah Ivey Ward is a marketing strategist for Lifeway Women. She’s originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, and now lives in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, with her husband, toddler son, and silver lab named Rosie. She loves leading high school girls through Young Life and is passionate about helping women know the real, living Jesus.
ABOUT KEVA ATWOOD
Keva Atwood is the Principal Designer and Owner of Avek Design Co. She lives in Middle Tennessee with her husband of twenty five years and three boys. She began her business five years ago out of a passion to help people love their homes and to create spaces that they want to invite others into.