Monday, December 11, 2006

In "Other" Words...

“I am the one holding the keys to the atmosphere in our home.” Terri Maxwell, Homeschooling With a Meek and Quiet Spirit

What an awesome, and sometimes, unwanted responsibility. To carry the burden of setting the tone for the day bears such weight. And such power.

I cannot investigate the “why” of this quote. I do hold the keys, and so, with faith, I accept that and now consider how I use them.

I recognize that I set the thermostat in our home. I also recognize that there have been times my family probably wished they could set the temperature “warmer”, to remove the arctic chill brought on by my hurt feelings. And I’m sure they’ve wished they could move the gauge “cooler”, to relieve the heat caused by my burning anger.

Earth's atmosphere, made up of a layer of gases surrounding it and retaining its’ gravity, is commonly known as “air”.

Would I deny my family air?

Certainly not.

But I have denied them a smile that would have started out the day just right. I’ve denied my husband the blessing of a kiss good-bye before he left for work, just because I was tired, or distracted. I’ve denied my children an encouraging look when they’ve been stymied by their schoolwork. I’ve denied myself the peace of falling into bed with a contented heart, simply because I’m unhappy with how I handled the day.

My family should not have to check their weather gear before greeting me in the morning.

“Should I get my umbrella? Looks like a storm’s brewing.”
"Should I wear my earmuffs? It's gonna be a cold one.”
“Do I need my shorts and flip flops? It’s feeling rather warm in here.”

The morning is usually the best time for an atmospheric check. But I find I would do better to check my Almanac the night before. God’s Word holds my key.

“I led them with cords of kindness, with the bands of love, and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws, and I bent down to them and fed them.” (Hosea 11:4)

This is how I want to use my keys. I want to lead my family with kindness; the bands of love. I want to ease their yokes, and feed them all that is good, both physical food, and the meat of the Word.





The earth’s atmosphere has no cut off. It blends as easily into space as the ocean does the sky.

The area around me that can prove itself untouchable, unreachable; I want it to blend into my family’s air – and fade away.

I want them to be able to reach me.

I may be the key-keeper, but my Father knows where I keep them. And He will not let me lose them, much as I would like to. He guides me in their uses, restricts me in their abuses.

He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.” (Isaiah 33:6)

May I be a wise and compassionate key-keeper. May I always be mindful of the atmosphere of my home; of my part in the air. May God in His mercy overshadow me with his grace, and when I fail, may I remember that He, in His wisdom, made me a key-keeper.

It is a gift.



13 fellow travelers shared:

Miriam Pauline said...

Beautifully said! Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Excellent post. Valuable things to consider as I prepare for the day at 7am. How will I choose to manage the keys to my home?

Anonymous said...

This was beautiful. It is amazing how this quote has bonded so many woman...Christine made an excellent choice. I can relate to how "we deny ourselves going to bed with a contented heart because we're unhappy with how we handled the day"...oh, I do this more often than I am willing to admit!!

Christine said...

Wow, you always say just what I'm feeling so eloquently. We do have the keys, and often I forget. I never lose my car keys (really I don't) but how often do I lose the keys to my home's warmth? Thanks for participating today. You're the best!

Lori said...

I had to chuckle when the family has to ask "is there a storm brewing". I know so many times my boys & hubby have looked at each other and said the same thing.

Wonderful thoughts.

Jenn @ Knee-Deep in Munchkin Land said...

That gave me some food for thought. I do hold the keys to my own attitude, something that has seriously needed an adjustment as of lately. Thank you!!

Amydeanne said...

lots of food to chew on! Thanks!

Katherine@Raising Five said...

Love that verse in Hosea. Am I tenderly loosening the yoke on my family's jaw? Not often enough. Interesting how sometimes loosening your grip makes them feel more secure. A paradox.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing your wonderful thoughts this week...

I love what you said at the end "May God in His mercy overshadow me with his grace, and when I fail, may I remember that He, in His wisdom, made me a key-keeper." Yes, I need His grace every single day because of my short-comings.

Andrea said...

Another frightening power we as mothers hold. Thank the Lord for "in Him".
Nice thoughts.

Randi said...

Great post, Elise. Thanks for the encouragement to live out this truth.

bluemountainmama said...

thanks for giving me something to ponder..... very well said and thought-provoking!

wendybirde said...

Oh wow, I loved this post SO much! I've qouted you, hope that's okay : )

Blessed Week : ) Wendy

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