What does "home" mean to you?

My Church (Lake Hills Church, Austin TX) is having the Christmas message entitled "Home for the Holiday's". (I love my Church!) As I thought yesterday about the upcoming message, I reflected on the meaning of "home" for me. I never really thought about the word home before; what it means to me; and how am I doing at leading my home for my family. The word home means......

I had the pleasure of growing up in a GREAT home. It was so over the top in greatness that it was really not even fair; that's how wonderful my childhood home was. So here are my notes on what home means to me:

• A place for safety and place of comfort
• A place for warmth and coziness
• A place for complete transparency
• A place to hang out
• A place to cry
• A place to laugh
• A place of joy
• A place to pray and connect
• A place to share (both wins and losses)
• A place for great memories
• A place full of positive vibes
• A place for family and friends
• A place for development and growth
• A place where you want to be (inviting to all)
• A place for FUN!
  

There are houses and then there are homes. A big difference. My goal is a home. That means I don't care..... if it is kind of messy; if there are basketball hoops in the front entrance; if there are toys in my bed; if there are footballs in my shower; if there toy snakes in my shoes; if there are sippy cups hidden in the couch. I need to watch myself and prevent worrying about all the little stuff in my home that really doesn't matter. Does it really matter if the carpet has a small stain from juice? Nobody will remember any stain on the carpet but my sons will always remember Dad playing tackle football with them in the living room (there will probably be a bruise and few stitch's here and there...it's all good)

I ask myself: What would Teddy and Tate say about their home when they grow up? I hope and pray I am providing a great home for my family! I know I will continue to work hard at it.

Question: What does home mean to you?

Chris