A Bedroom of One’s Own
Do you happily go to your bedroom to unwind after a long day? Is it welcoming or uninviting and cold? Your bedroom should be like a sanctuary. A place that you look forward to going at the end of the day or the middle of the day when you need a quick escape. This is one of the most important rooms in your house, it is where you decompress and relax. Every Mom should have a room of her own, or a corner, or any space that is comforting to her. Your surroundings affect how you feel internally. If your bedroom is cluttered than most likely you will not sleep well, and that leads to fatigue, crankiness and an unclear mind.
It is important that as Christians we spend alone time with God no matter how demanding our day. The scriptures clearly indicate that Jesus went on his own several times to be alone with his God. When we take time to pray and talk with God in solitude, our day seems more peaceful and we are more focused. Creating a space in your bedroom to accommodate your needs is simple with these few tips.
Clearing out the clutter is the first step in improving your surroundings. Clutter is all of that hidden junk under the bed and in the closet. Take a day and section the room off, this will make it easier to de-clutter.
When you are cleaning bedroom try following these simple steps:
- Clean under the bed, behind any furniture, wipe down baseboards and window sills.
- Wash all bed linens and air out the mattress.
- Go through your magazines, discard any old issues. If you absolutely cannot part with them, take time tear out the articles you want to keep and place them in a storage box or even a photo album.
- Sort through your drawers and closets. Each drawer should contain specific clothing. For example, t-shirts in one drawer, socks and underwear in another drawer, etc. Get rid of clothes you no longer wear and give them to charity.
- Make your closet functional. Purchase sturdy hangers to hang your clothes. Categorize your clothes, for example, hang all pants together, dress shirts next, and then suits, etc.
- Purchase an inexpensive hanging storage unit for your shoes. Don’t leave them scattered at the bottom of the closet.
Not only will your closet look great, but you will save precious time in the morning.
Next, create your own little piece of heaven. Everyone’s style is unique, so incorporate your favorite colors in your room. Choose comfortable bedding, lots of fluffy pillows, and add warm scented candles. You may even try painting an accent wall, it brings in a whole new dimension to the room. Surround yourself with objects that make you happy. Pictures of family and friends are great to hang, along with framed artwork. If you are book lover like myself, place a book case along the wall. Bring in fresh flowers they will brighten the room and your mood.
Now create your own sacred space that you can go to spend time with our Lord. This can be a corner or any space available in your bedroom that is comfortable or anywhere in the house. I have chosen a small area near a window, because of the wonderful light that streams in. All you need is a comfortable chair, a small table, and your favorite things. I suggest having everything you use when spending alone time with God. I have a bible, a notebook to take notes, a prayer journal, and spiritual books. Have a comfortable blanket nearby and a good reading lamp.
My only rule is Take the TV out of the bedroom. Television belongs in the family or living room not the bedroom. The bedroom is a place to escape the noise. When you spend time alone with God make sure your family knows this is your time, no interruptions, all within reason of course. One other last note is to set boundaries. Your bedroom is your space, make this clear to your children. This means no toys. By all means always make your bed open for group cuddles, but remember you also deserve time to yourself.
It won’t be long before you are sleeping like a baby, but most important is that you find time to spend with our Heavenly Father. Too often we get caught up in our hectic day to acknowledge the one who makes everything possible, who gives us another day. So put the kids down for a nap, turn off the television, and go to your little sacred place. Pour yourself a cup of tea, open your Bible and do the thing that matters the most.
Copyright © Chere Williams, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved