IF YOUR HOME COULD TALK
This weekend, I have the pleasure of staying with two of my daughters and future son-in-law in a gorgeous home about thirty minutes northeast of Nashville, Tennessee. My middle daughter has lived in Nashville for the past eight years, and I try to make it down for a visit a couple of times a year. On this trip, my oldest daughter happened to be visiting the area to attend some meetings with work, so we decided to rent an Airbnb and spend three days together just putzing around. I’ve stayed in dozens of rental homes through the years and find each one an adventure. This one is no different.
The home sits on twelve acres of hilly, heavily wooded Tennessee countryside and is a classic cabin in the woods. It is a log house with several bedrooms and a sizeable high-ceilinged family room with a stone fireplace reaching all the way to the top, where the wooden beams and ceiling give it a warm, cozy feel. It is one of those rooms where you want to snuggle in the corner of the sofa with a blanket and a glass of warm, spiced apple cider. The master bedroom is huge with a wall of windows, making it feel like you are lying in bed in the middle of the woods.
The cottage is adorned with numerous eclectic pieces of décor, which makes it fun to explore. We had not been in the house long last evening when we realized by some of the details around the house that the owners love Jesus. There are a few Bibles throughout the home and some Christian books. We looked at one family picture and realized that the owners are related to the Duck Dynasty family, and one of the daughters is also an actress. Pretty cool!
I’ve visited several homes through the years where it quickly became apparent that the owners were believers. An interesting thought came to mind as I sat on the deck overlooking the forest. One’s home tells a story about the owner without ever meeting the person.
There are all kinds of Christmas dishes in the cupboards and a beautiful nativity set that adorns a buffet in the family room. The top of the wooden stable holds a woven crown of thorns. One little scene depicts Jesus’ life from beginning to end. The two objects on that table speak volumes about their owners.
An eight-by-ten photo display sits on a table in another room next to a large family Bible. The frame contains photos of ten beautiful women and young ladies representing four generations from this family. Near the top, it reads, “Strong and Faithful Women Raise Strong and Faithful Women.” What a testimony! It reminds me of my mother-in-law, wife, four daughters, and three granddaughters. They, too, represent four generations of faithful women in our family.
One feels a sense of peace and the presence of God in this refuge in the woods.
I wonder what someone would write or think about my home. If their feelings are anything like what one senses here, it would please me.
How would folks feel in your home? It’s worth an ask.
Live Inspired!
Don Mark
