Sheltering in Place

Attitude is Everything! This statement is true across all areas of our human condition.

However, I want to direct this thought to one particular group of people today. Women. ‘When mama ain’t happy, aint nobody happy…’ “Happy wife, happy life” Both sayings are probably known by most readers. Yet, the seriousness of these sayings can be easily dismissed. Don’t do that.

Understand in fact, that the women truly SET THE TONE in the home. When children come into the room to a smiling, attentive mom, their joy is boundless. When a husband receives a warm embrace and a flirty girlfriend welcome, he will do anything in his power to make that girlfriend happy and secure. When company arrives to a relaxed hostess who is unconcerned about house protocol, they will feel true hospitality and trust. When a friend confides to a sincere listening ear, she will find confidence and hope to conquer any difficulty.
When the woman in the home fulfills the above attitude behaviors, outside counseling or other damage control measures will NOT be needed. Women truly have more power for good than most realize simply by maintaining an attitude of grace and happiness.

When ill-temper threatens and fears or anger push away the sweetness of her spirit, the wise woman will steal away to her closet of prayer and tell her Best Friend all about it. She will emerge with a renewed attitude and be back in the saddle to face another onslaught of life.
Once this technique becomes a habit, there is no limit to the joy that home will share.

But ultimately this attitude adjustment is the responsibility of the woman, the keeper of the home. She cannot blame strife on loud children, or insensitive husbands, or impolite guests. There is no scapegoat; especially during this sheltering time, this END time, this challenging time. Women everywhere must reach deep inside their well of strength and pull up a big bucket of kindness, patience, sweetness, prayerfulness and mercy to water the garden of their own souls, and the souls within their influence.

Ask Jesus to really search your heart and to show you any where your attitude gets snagged. Then be quiet and wait for the searchlight of his love to quicken your understanding so you can share with him each and every obstacle impeding your progress toward the high and lofty goal of maintaining a sweet attitude. He will answer that kind of prayer, I promise. And then, when we do our part and stay consistent, in a short time those emergency dashes to the closet will be less frequent, and our homes will shine with peace and the love of God. But it is all up to the women. They set the tone. Their attitude determines the outcome, and their prayer life upholds the family. You Got This!

PS. If you are a woman living alone, this ‘attitude is everything’ exhortation is still important! You gotta live with YOU so it might as well be a happy experience. Your sweet spirit will go with you to the grocery store, and come back home with you to your shelter. This is good stuff no matter our age or living situation. Be blessed!