Candles are a core essential of hygge lifestyle- the soft, natural source of light creates a place of simplicity and warmth. Soft textures such as cozy blankets, comfortable seating and encouraging, simple decor offers a home that feels inviting. Pleasant smells such as freshly baked bread, coffee or your favorite scent reminds others of feelings of love and comfort.

 

When you think of that exhale moment of finally being home, what do you taste, see, hear, smell and feel? How can you offer that atmosphere to those whom you invite into your home? 

 

God created us for delight. As we delight in the beautiful world around us, He is glorified. There is a quote from G. K. Chesterton found in the book The Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Harrison Warren that expresses this beautifully:

 

 

    “Because children have abounding vitality, because they are in spirit fierce and free, therefore they want things repeated and unchanged. They always say, ‘Do it again’; and the grown-up person does it again until he is nearly dead. For grown-up people are not strong enough to exult in monotony. But perhaps God is strong enough to exult in monotony. It is possible that God says every morning, ‘Do it again’ to the sun; and every evening, ‘Do it again’ to the moon. It may not be automatic necessity that makes all daisies alike; it may be that God makes every daisy separately, but has never got tired of making them. It may be that He has the eternal appetite of infancy; for we have sinned and grown old, and our Father is younger than we.” 

 

 

How can we offer that idea of “Do it again” wonder and appreciation in the way that we make our homes, the very place where we dwell? How can we ignite a curiosity in others to see each new day as a chance to applaud God’s do-it-again-ness? How can we dress and design our sacred spaces in an inviting way, showing others that it’s not about the latest furniture or paint colors, but its about the constant faithfulness of a detailed and cosmic God? 

 

My prayer for my own home, as well as yours, dear one, is that whoever enters our dwelling would feel the very presence of the Holy and Creative One, through every second hand chair and outdated dish. 

 

That they would know they are loved, seen, heard, known and cherished. 

 

Let us invite that presence into each and every place that we call home.