Last week I was introduced to a new concept. It’s exciting at my age to learn something new, especially when it is really helpful.
At my house, I converted an old underground storm shelter into a fitness room. I’m in there at least 5 days a week lifting weights. Because it’s underground it has a certain musty smell. During the winter our cat, Charlie, stays there at night to keep warm. Unfortunately, it begins to smell really bad during that time. A few weeks ago, I bought a couple of plug-in air fresheners that give off the wonder scent of a Hawaiian breeze. Now when I walk into my wonderful “pit of pain”, the aroma reminds me of working out on a beautiful beach in the pacific. At least I can pretend I have a “beach body.” Often, when you enter a building you first notice the scent of the room. Which brings me to the question, “What does your home smell like?” What is the AROMA of your home? As parents, we have the opportunity to set the pace and atmosphere in our families. In addition, with some intentionality, we also have the privilege on determining the AROMA. Sure, sometimes it stinks, but don’t let that continue. Below are some suggestions using an acrostic with the letters in AROMA that will help all of us make our homes smell a little sweeter. A= AFFECTION – Make sure that there are plenty of hugs, caring touches and kind words. The kids need to feel loved and see mom and dad showing affection to one another. R=RESPECT - Kids need to show respect to their parents and one another. Disrespect is never tolerated. Parents respect each other through both words and actions. O= ORDER - Structure is a good thing. Schedule your day and week as a family. Observe family traditions, customs, and priorities. Everybody knows what is expected of him or her from their behaviors to their chores. The family is a team and works together. Each family member does his or her part. Of course every family has moments of chaos but having an agreed upon conflict resolution plan in place will greatly reduce stress and anxiety. M= MERRIMENT – Have fun as a family! Laugh together. Enjoy being with each other. Be joyous. Play together. When people visit, keep the atmosphere light and burden free. Plan fun times together. Did I mention, “Laugh together?” A= AFFIRMATION – You are the ultimate cheerleader for your kids and your spouse. Make sure the people who you call family know that you unconditionally love and support them. Attend their activities. Encourage their development. Celebrate wins. Remind your kids that God has designed them, gifted them, and loves them. Praise God for their uniqueness and guide them to use their giftedness to help others. Tell them you are proud of them. And…give them reasons to be proud of you. From time to time every home smells a little musty. Maybe it’s time for you, as the parent, to take some steps to improve the AROMA of your home. Be intentional about spreading the “fragrance” of Christ. Check out this verse: 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 (ESV) 14 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere. 15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. Ric Callahan Pastor to Families, Westwood Baptist Church, Alabaster, AL
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AuthorRic Callahan has served the Church as minister to youth, children, and families for 37 years. He and his wife, Carla, have a passion for motivating and encouraging parents to activiely pursue Godly leadership in their homes. They have raised two daughters who use their gifts in minsitry as well. Archives
May 2018
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