One of God’s greatest gifts to mankind. Sight, touch, smell, hearing, tasting–we are equipped with delightful means of experiencing the world around us.
And our senses serve an even deeper purpose; one often underestimated.
We all know that phenomenon of how a certain smell can instantly transport us back to a memory of the past; or how the change in season can have a powerful effect on our moods, depending on memories of previous seasons.
Why did God do that? And how does this amazing “sense-ation” affect our attitude toward home?
I’m “sensing” these days (sorry guys–I love puns) just how important the small elements of home are in making a family and raising children. As mothers, we need to be capitalizing on the miracle of the senses in our homes.
If nothing else, just the awareness of the fact that when I do something as simple as bake a pie, I alert the senses of those present, making a permanent memory connection, and strengthening the bonds of our family.
See, homemaking is so misunderstood. So many women have lost sight of all the little things that make home wonderful, binding hearts, and beckoning those children back once they are grown. That’s what the “art” of homemaking is about.
God has given us such power in the simplest things. Don’t look too hard for the spectacular events; cathedrals are built one small stone at a time!
Awakening the senses in your home–ideas:
- Light candles.
- Keep wild flower arrangements, if available, around the house.
- Play music.
- Bake things–pies, cookies, bread, etc. Or, warm some cinnamon sticks and cloves in a pot of water on the stove.
- Use garlic, onions and herbs in your meals.
- Make time to create and savor special moments…brew some mint tea and enjoy it mid-day with your children. It doesn’t have to be extravagant!
What are your ideas?
