In this chaotic world, it is increasingly important to have a refuge from it all. Creating a home that will be a haven of peace is largely on the heads of parents - mothers and fathers working together in righteousness.
It is not so much where you live or how much you have that makes your home peaceful, but it is what you teach, how much you love and how you act that counts. We know that the ultimate example, Jesus Christ, was born in a humble stable. The writers of the New Testament did not focus on Christ's appearance or where he lived. Rather, the focal points were on what he did and who he really was.
To make our homes a haven of peace, family advocate, L. Tom Perry states, "Our homes must be holy places in order to stand against the pressures of the world....We must carefully continue to evaluate our performance as parents. The most powerful teaching a child will ever receive will come from concerned and righteous fathers and mothers."
The role of mothers is important
Increasingly, the world undervalues mothers. Women feel like they are inadequate, underappreciated and wasting their lives if they do not have a job and contribute to the financial status of their home (whether they have children or not). Yet, the foundation of society is the family. It is evident that society is crumbling because families are falling apart.
The influence of women - mothers, grandmothers, aunts and sister - is priceless. Their influence is immeasurable. Those who build family stability through nurturing and carefully attending to their families have a positive effect on their families and those around them. One main result of a loving, righteous and nurturing mother is the peace she can bring to her home and to her children. Peace in the home stems from righteous practices and being able to rely on mom for support, comfort and strength.
Fathers have an equal responsibility in the home
Fathers have a duty to lead their families righteously. When there is no father in the home, mothers can take this responsibility. Seek the blessings of heaven in your home. A father leading his wife and children in family prayer, scripture study and family activities is an important component of creating a haven of peace. Fathers also should spend one-on-one time with their children, teaching children - largely by example - how to work, set goals and perform service.
It takes two parents who are 100 percent committed to their family to fully create an atmosphere of peace. Strong families are the key to a strong society. School, community and government programs cannot replace the important roles of loving and attentive fathers and mothers. As we work to do our part and fulfill our responsibility to our own families, encouraging others to do the same, we will create peace in our homes and make society much stronger.
Read 7 things families positively do best for some more insights.
