Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Beauty in the Christian Home


"A Christian should live artistically, aesthetically, and creatively. If we have been created in the image of an Artist, then we should look for expressions of artistry." --Edith Schaeffer
When I was a newlywed, our pastor's wife recommended The Hidden Art of Homemaking to me. It was so different than anything I'd ever read before, and I loved Edith Scheaffer's thoughts on finding the value in the beauty of everyday things. She talked about things like setting a beautiful table for your family, or bringing fresh flowers into your home. It's been at least 10 years since I first read that book, but her thoughts on making a home for your family have stayed with me.

I think beauty is important. I'm not talking about the beauty that necessarily comes from expensive things or obsessive perfection, but rather that of a home reflecting and celebrating the beauty and order that God has created for our enjoyment. Like so many things in life, it's all about motivation. Do I want beauty in my home to impress others, or to cause others to look to the glory and beauty of God? I have to confess that I've had both motivations. But the goal should always be--in all things--God's glory.

So, I'm interested in your thoughts. Do you think this is 'pie-in-the-sky' thinking? What priority do you give to beauty in your home?

2 comments:

Anne said...

I'm trying to figure out how my living room covered in toys is beautiful...hmm. I would love to have a beautiful house...I need to work on it some more. I procrastinate a whole lot on putting things away so there are a lot of different "piles" in my house. :) Good motivation though.

Candice said...

Anne, your home is beautiful because there is LIFE in it! :) I think it's more about making home a special place for your family to be; just taking the time to do the little things. This is hard for me at times because I am often in the mode of steamrolling through my duties to just get them DONE! I know there is a balance somewhere between taking the time to create beauty and the practical demands of life....