The Guest Room

I’ve been thinking a lot about the power we have as women to shape the future memories of our family. Now that I’m a mom, I look back on fond childhood memories with a whole new understanding that there was very likely a parent behind that memory – fostering an environment, creating an experience, and making it magical! So now that responsibility is mine. For my husband and the home culture we want to cultivate, for Finnley, and for whatever future family and community grows around us!

Recently I listened to the Sisterhood Podcast with Bobbie Houston (for the millionth time!) and something she said gave me a HUGE “ah ha!” moment. It went something like: if you want to create a magical feeling in your home for your family to live and grow in, you have to choose to do it and do it. It’s that simple! It comes down to, “will I maintain an orderly and tidy environment that allows my family to feel peace and space to experience?”… you have to decide yes! It comes down to, “will I provide a meal that communicates love and blessing to my family and a purposeful table for them to gather around (and maybe even invite others to join)?”… you have to decide you will! And “will I go the extra mile to make my people feel special and remind them that this life is wonderful?”… Up to you!

Basically what she was getting at is, creating an positive home environment and culture is a choice (one that comes with effort and sacrifice sometimes), that you can make or not make. Some women might feel a little more natural at this than others, but we all have the capacity to learn and grow into giftings. Sometimes I choose it and sometimes I don’t. I’m learning that it’s just as important, if not more so, to make those choices in the everyday normal, but special occasions are a great place to start! I love the way holidays provide a special opportunity to create magical memories that can last forever and be passed down for generations.

You might not be a mom yet and maybe you’re single, but you still have the opportunity to start creating disciplines and traditions that will some day be foundational for your own family! While I was growing up, we would make these simple little American flag treats and it’s something I started doing as soon as I was married! Of course, Jordan didn’t think it was quite so magical as Finn now does, but he’d never say no to a dessert 😉 and I loved the thought that I was carrying on a tradition I looked forward to passing onto my own kids someday. This week I got to make the flag treats with Finnley and it was so special to me! These are the kind of things I hope my kids grow up remembering someday – the little things we did as a family that sparked their imagination and made the most of moments.

These little traditions will become part of my own family’s legacy (more on that topic here!), and while we were “baking” I was reminded that tradition and legacy don’t just happen randomly. They’re the result of choices for better or worse! I want to be the kind of woman that makes the everyday choices for my family that become a legacy I’m proud of! What kind of legacy are you leaving? We get the opportunity to make it great (and full of fun and joy!) What a calling!

Need some inspiration for a simple way to create a magical memory with your littles this 4th of July?

Try our favorite American flag graham crackers!

All you need: Graham crackers, frosting, blueberries, and small strawberries or raspberries! It couldn’t be more simple! I obviously made most of ours this year, but it was a blast to let Finnley “help” and taste test everything! A little mess never hurt anyone! But either does covering the table with craft paper for an easy clean up! 😉

Happy 4th of July! I hope you have a fun and safe celebration with the people you love! 🙂