Home As a Haven

I moved 1200 miles away from my childhood home in Huron, South Dakota about 37 years ago. When Larry and I married we lived in Omaha, Nebraska for about six months and then decided to relocate to Alabama. It was a good move and one we’ve never regretted. We raised our four children in Alabama and love so much about the south. 

Over the years when I’ve traveled back to my parents’ home I’ve always had the same feeling. It’s obvious time was taken to prepare for my arrival. A warm, welcoming environment is awaiting me. My favorite foods have been planned and the very large freezer that’s always been there is full of baking and cooking treats. 

Dad always had the boat ready to go (before it’s recent sale), and everyone knew if the weather permitted there would be an effort made to get the family out to fish or enjoy water sports on a local lake or the Missouri River. This would precede a fish fry, assuming we caught some. 

And one of the biggest things that’s always struck me is the family picture gallery that is front and center in the home of my parents. There is one place on this earth where I know my family and I are important enough to have pictures hanging on the walls. On a recent extended trip home I observed that my parents pause several times a day to take in the sight of those pictures. We all know regular prayers are going up on our behalf as they live surrounded with these reminders of the family they love dearly. 

This is a part of the family legacy I have that I value so much. I may have moved hundreds of miles away from my childhood home, but I didn’t ever move away from the love or devotion of my family. It’s been a constant and always will be. I know the love that started in that home for my brother and me is what we endeavor to continue giving to our own children and grandchildren. 

My parents have lived in the same house for all of my life, so the feelings and memories of home with them are in that one place. For my own children our house has changed location several times, but the love and warmth we hope to always provide goes with us wherever we go. 

I watch with great pleasure to see each of my children establishing a “home” for their families. They all have a sense of home that takes seriously creating a place that encompasses the personalities living in it. 

What a wonderful thing for a home to be a haven. Of course, there is never perfection in any place or family. Real life with all of its ups and downs are lived there. But the heart of a home becomes evident and will stand the test of time if it’s built on the right foundation. 

I’ve always felt the rich gift of family. I know it is one of the biggest blessings in my life, second only to the gift of salvation and personal relationship with my Savior. Those two things are, quite honestly, what make me tick and for what I would give all and sacrifice all.