My parents have a sign in their home that simply says,  “All of our visitors bring happiness. Some by coming, others by going.“

I am not sure who the “others” are but I am hoping I am not one of them. 

In a day when no one is really coming or going anywhere, there is still one place we can make that kind of impact: our own homes. 

But the question remains – do we bring happiness when we walk into a room … or when we leave it? 

When Moses was leading the children of Israel, he had a request of God “… If Your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.” Exodus 33:15 ESV

Moses was headed toward a land filled with milk and honey. They were leaving behind the bondage of Egypt and moving one step closer to freedom in their promised land. But none of that mattered if God’s presence was not there.

Thankfully, God is still omnipresent and also, His Spirit resides in us. 

But do our lives reflect that? Now that we have had all of this “together” time with our families, what would they say? 

Do we feed their fears or their faith? Do we bring chaos or calm? Do our words build them up or tear them down? Does our presence inside the house create peace in the midst of what is happening on the outside? 

As a woman, don’t underestimate the influence you have. Mary brought Life to the world because Eve opened the door to mortality. Abigail talked David out of trouble while Herodias talked Herod into it. Deborah judged the land with righteousness unlike Jezebel who reigned with an iron fist and evil heart. 

I once heard it said that women are intensifiers.  We take groceries and make a meal. We have conversations and form real relationships. We can transform a house into a home. 

As believers, we carry the presence of God in us.  Let Him shine bright even if it is just within the walls of our home.  Let’s make our families happy that we are there. 

~Anu 

Photo by: Just Inspired Visuals