Our children anticipated this event every summer, and so did I. One week during summer vacation, we would stuff the old pickup truck with tents, sleeping bags, back packs, munchies, fishing gear, and cooking utensils, all in preparation for the annual Cooper’s Lake “Dad-takes-all-the-kids-camping-while-Mom–relaxes-at home” event. Out in that wooded setting, perched along the side of a private lake, Dad and his small brood learned about wilderness survival, aka, no TV, electricity, microwaves, soft bedding, or Mommy-prepared meals, not to mention the joy they all experienced by hiking to the bathrooms in the middle of the night. All of these adventures awaited our brave explorers. When the troupe arrived home two days later, they were filled with tales of fishing, boating, sharing scary stories under the moonlight, mysterious sounds heard in the sleepy woods, teasing their little sister, and of course, the normal sibling battles that were a staple of any excursion. They were more than satisfied with their wilderness adventure, but happy to enjoy the comforts of home again.
Living in a tent is a marvelous adventure, but not a lifestyle many would choose on a permanent basis. That thrill would soon wear off when one was deprived of the conveniences of a well-equipped home for any long-extended period of time. Those camping memories haunted me today as I read a verse in Proverbs, a verse concerning dwelling “in the wilderness.”
As a wife, I set the emotional tone in my home. When I am patient, loving, compassionate, and kind, the resulting peace permeates my home. In contrast, when I allow my sinful nature to rule, the opposite is true, the spirit of wrath, moodiness, and contention yields strife and conflict in my little nest. The Lord reminded me today that wilderness survival is better than living with a quarrelsome, angry, contentious bride in a fine home. OUCH! That one hit home, badly!
Is the tranquility in my home being sacrificed on the altar of my pride? Am I saturating my home with that “meek and quiet” spirit that blesses my husband, pleases my Father, and encourages those whom I cherish the most, or is my attitude and demeanor making wilderness life the better option? Is winning an argument or proving a point worth sacrificing the peace and love that should permeate my home? I need to be reminded of that tent again and again. I am a weak, emotional, stubborn creature; I’m going to have to lean heavily on His Spirit daily to transform my house a welcoming home.
Proverbs 21:19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
Lord, make me more Christ-like in my demeanor, filling my home with love, peace, and contentment. Help me to admit that my anger and poor attitude makes for a miserable home, and in contrast, lead me to embrace Your example of meekness and grace.