What Makes a House a Home

"It isn't curtains starched and fine,

Nor windows shining clean,

Expensive paintings on the walls 

That catch the sunlight's gleam,

Nor furniture so new and grand,

The many things you own-

For not a single one of these

Can make a house a home.

It matters not a speck of dust;

To real folks this won't count,

Nor that you have the worldly things 

In any large amount.

A house can never be a home

However hard you'd try,

Unless the welcome's friendly there-

A twinkle in your eye.

It takes a handshake firm and true,

A greeting warm and gay, 

An air of love and happiness

As we would go our way;

'Tis these that make a house a home

Though worldly things are few,

And folks will always come again-

But just because of you.

A house can never be a home,

However long we live,

Unless it's filled with friendliness,

With laughter we can give.

Whatever else we chance to have,

How much we gain or own,

'Tis only people, real and true,

That make a house a home.

By Garnett Ann Shultz

I chose this poem as the first post in my blog to show that even if we have the right house, the right outward appearance. Nothing can compare to the inward glow of a young woman who has a genuine desire to make her parents home a place of joy, warmth, excitement, and love. Its a gift God gave us, so lets use it!