Why You Need to Create a Haven NOW

Having a haven to call your own is important for so many reasons. Here’s why you need to create a haven NOW…

On Christmas evening, I heard shocking news that a friend died earlier that day.

While I hadn’t talked with her since we went to church together 15 years ago, through Facebook we were able to keep in touch, and I knew what a huge priority her faith and family were to her.

News of her death reminded me of how much I wrestle with unexpected deaths. Of course, I know everyone dies. As Hebrews 9:27-28 so clearly reminds us, “Just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.”

When I know someone is battling an illness or is just plain old, death isn’t so surprising. But when someone is taken in the prime of life? That rattles me.

And it rattled me to think of a loving wife and mother taken so unexpectedly. One day she was getting ready to celebrate Christmas with her family … and then surprisingly she got to celebrate Christmas with Christ.

The news made me hug my kids a little tighter, kiss my husband longer … and think of a few important life lessons:

Life is short, and tomorrow’s never guaranteed

Because each day is a gift, it’s important to remember that life will zip along quickly.

As you think of this, let it affect the way you live each day; this has everything to do with the way you treat others and the way you spend your time.

When I consider how I want to be remembered, I’m apt to be more patient and kind. I want to reach out to others. And I want to love well while I can.

Invest in relationships while you can

Even if you end up living a long life, there’s no guarantee your loved ones will. While you still have the opportunity, invest in relationships. Make the most of your time together. Get together as much as you’d like – and can.

And for those deep relationships that you have? (You know, the ones with your spouse or children?) Make sure you’re fully present and making memories together. Enjoy the moments you spend together, because they’re fleeting.

Now’s the time to secure your true haven

Everyone has the longing of a haven … because God puts it in our hearts. He’s placed it there to remind us that there’s so much more than what we see or experience in this world. It’s there to remind us of our need for Him. And our Savior.

There’s only one way to discover your true haven and the absolute peace that comes with it. It’s through Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ alone.

While there’s still breath in your lungs, make sure you have a relationship with Him. Turn the steering wheel of your life over to him. And make the choice to do that now, since you don’t know what tomorrow holds.

Now’s also the time to start making your own haven

A haven nurtures others – and yourself – in powerful ways. Instead of just knowing it and hoping to eventually create a haven when you have more time or more money or more inspiration, it’s vital to remember that time’s ticking away. Get creating now when you can enjoy and appreciate it. (Wondering how to do it? Here are 5 steps to haven creation!)

Whatever you have now, start the comforting work of feathering your nest. Create a haven now so it can benefit you – and everyone else living in your home.

As you think about your own haven, surround yourself with your favorite things. Then think about what your husband or children would appreciate.

As you create a haven now, you’ll be able to enjoy and appreciate it. Instead of waiting for a different chapter of life to start enjoying your home, make it enjoyable right now.

Because life is short and tomorrow is never guaranteed, make the most of your life and your home now. Make a haven now to nurture and enjoy your life … because you and your family deserve to be nurtured. And your lives deserve to be enjoyed.

What’s one thing you can do in your home or life to make a haven now?

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All images courtesy of Kaboompics.

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Hilary

Hilary Bernstein is a Christ follower, wife, homeschooling mama, and writer who helps women experience God's perfect peace in messy, imperfect life. She's happiest when she's hosting friends and family for dinner, going on date nights with her husband, singing along to the radio, traveling with her family, and spending cozy nights at home. The author of fifteen books,Hilary also is Women's Ministry Director at The Chapel in Green, Ohio.