Four Walls and a Roof

Written by: Ashley & Jessica

 

Between the two of us we have moved 17 times in the past ten or so years. And now, one is moving again and the other is facing a potential move.

Sometimes moving can be difficult. We leave behind a house and friends, perhaps a place that we loved and enjoyed. Sometimes we may have to leave our "dream home." It can be hard. We have both had instances of difficulty leaving behind friends and family to go to a place we know almost nothing about. 

As these thoughts and ideas have passed between the two of us other questions surfaced: When we move and leave behind a house, are we really leaving behind a home?  Is a home something that can be left behind?  Or is it something we take with us, wherever we may move to?

What makes a house a home?  Is it the floor plan? The decorations or the furniture? These things can help, but are they the heart of our homes? We have been given much guidance over the years to help us make our homes. There are some physical things we keep in our houses that can add to our home.  We could keep our scriptures where they are not only seen but are easily accessed.  We can hang pictures of our family, the prophet, or other images of spiritual worth. We have been counseled to keep a picture of the temple in our homes.  President Spencer W. Kimball said, "It would be a fine thing if … parents would have in every bedroom in their house a picture of the temple so their children from the time they are infants could look at the picture every day until it becomes a part of their lives. When they reach the age that they need to make the very important decision concerning going to the temple, it will have already been made.”

  But what if all those physical things were lost?  Would our homes be lost as well?  In our case, the things that have made our houses into homes, wherever they've been, however small or large, have been the spiritual things we fill them with. It is the family prayer, the kind words and acts of selflessness and service.  It is when we focus on Jesus Christ and make Him the center of our lives that our houses, apartments, (or whatever dwelling we may reside in) become a home.  If we fill our hearts with love and charity any place can become a home because it will become a place for the Spirit to dwell.