Someone asked me a question last night. She wanted to know how the hard-won peace that existed within could be spread to those around her. I told her I’d have to contemplate that a little before I could answer. Well, apparently that’s what I did in my sleep last night because I have a pretty clear idea this morning.
We work so hard to establish peace within our souls. With the chaos of the world battering us at every turn it takes every bit of effort to keep peace within our homes and our hearts. There are many things we can do to accomplish both.
First and foremost, begin every day on your knees in prayer to your Father in Heaven. Then arise and do the same with your family.
Second, follow prayer up with sincere scripture and gospel study. Even if it is only for fifteen minutes then you have accomplished establishing an armor around you for that day. Then do the same with your family.
Third, place pictures of the Savior and beauty on the walls of your home. If pictures which promote aggressiveness, anger or sin grace any portion of your home, then Satan’s minions are quite content to dwell there as well. By placing pictures of the Savior and beauty on your walls, you invite light and goodness into your home rather than the opposite.
Fourth, keep your home clean. It is not necessary that it be spotless, but it is necessary that it be clean. This too feeds the spirit within and allows peace to reside.
Fifth, organize your home, your family and yourself. In organization chaos ceases to exist or at least is severely curtailed in its ability to wreak havoc in your home. Set up a schedule for yourself and your family which includes family prayer, scripture study, and family home evening, chores, homework, meals, play time, etc.
Sixth, let your children see you and your spouse in a loving, supportive relationship. If there are disagreements, either discuss them calmly or take the disagreement away from the children. Husband and Wife should be a united front to the children. Under no circumstances provide the knowledge to your children that you can be split or played off one another. Let your children see you holding hands or bestowing a gentle kiss upon one another.
Seventh, show your children how much you love them. Be their parent, not their friend. Teach them, work with them, and support them. Freely bestow hugs, kisses and praise for those things that are praiseworthy.
Eighth, make the heroes in your homes be heroes of worth. For example, Nephi, Captain Moroni, 2,000 stripling warriors, young David, Joshua, Deborah, Esther, Mary the mother of Jesus, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington. Even go through your genealogy and learn more of your ancestors than their vital statistics and then share these stories with your children. Certainly Jesus Christ is a hero in every possible way. Make heroes of those worthy to be heroes.
Ninth, attend church on a weekly basis. In addition, as a couple, attend the temple at least once a month, but once a week provides a greater ability to deal with everything the world throws at you.
and last, but certainly not least,
Tenth, never, ever miss Family Home Evening. For there are many prophetic promises which bless the home.
These are things that will enable you to spread the peace within to those within your circle.