FAMILY ROOM

Family room - a room for family. This is the space where we gather to relax, play and be together. But it's not just for family; it is for strangers, friends and neighbors too. 

Everyone wants to feel welcome and belong to someone. We need spaces where we can just be ourselves. This is my desire for this room.

But in the beginning, it was dark and dirty. Plumbing from the upstairs bathroom had leaked through the ceiling. The carpet was soiled and wet. It smelled bad. There were no lights. The sight of the stone fireplace gave me hope. It WILL become a warm place for family and friends to gather.

We didn't even own the house yet...but the listing realtor refused to fix the plumbing. So Keith had to patch the ceiling himself so the appraiser would give our bank the okay to loan us the money to buy the house. Don't worry, we had permission. Things just go differently when you're buying a foreclosed property from the bank. (It's a long story...believe me.)

  

 We replaced old sliding glass doors with windows.They were cheaper, and there was another set of doors right next to them leading out to the deck. Who needs 2 sets of doors? But the window delivery was delayed. Lighting was installed, too. So we moved into the house with things unfinished. But with new carpet on the floor and a comfy couch, we could still enjoy the space.

 While waiting on the windows, our carpenter was able to get ahead and used the time to install trim throughout the house...something we hadn't planned on. But the day the window was installed was a glorious day. 

What a view! 

Light filled the space!

  
And while the fireplace still doesn't work, we know we will surely enjoy it's warmth someday. 

A good friend created a beautiful fall wreath with grapevine and bittersweet to complete the look.

But THIS is the way it's supposed to be...snacks, reading, napping, watching TV, working on the computer; young and old, with family and friends, all generations.

This is our greatest calling; to love each other and to help others belong. I am challenged daily to extend grace and love to each person I meet, whether it's family, friends, coworkers or strangers.

As a new year begins, receive this challenge. Create space for others. Help them feel comfortable. Show them they belong. You will find prosperity and blessing along the way.