Our homes

Two nights ago I woke up at 2:50 a.m. and couldn't get back to sleep.  I decided to go into the living room and watch a movie.  While watching this movie, one of the main characters made the following comment that Ihas caused me much reflection:

"Homes are for free expression 

not good impressions."

As I have pondered this quote, it was brought to my recollection a conversation from my childhood.  One of my older brother's friends made this comment: "I love being at your family's home because I can relax.  I don't feel like I am in a staged or model home, but one of comfort and peace."  

Are our homes a place of comfort and peace for our children and their visitors?  Do we place too much emphasis on having a perfectly decorated home that is always immaculate, that our family and friends cannot relax?  Can we be ourselves in our homes? Does our home reflex our true selves?

Please don't mistake me in thinking that good impressions are not important, because they are important.  However, I would have us ask ourselves, "Who are we trying to impress?"