was a line in an episode of one of my favorite programs. The more I thought about it, the more I realized the depth of meaning in that phrase. While home is a privilege, it is also a responsibility. It also forces you define what you believe and how you define – ‘home’. Home is both the people as well as what occurs in the place called home. It’s the relationships among the various members. It’s the emotions that emanate. It’s the responsibilities of each of the ‘participants’. I could go on, but these are some of the considerations when you define your ‘home’. It is a ;physical place”, but so much more.
Home is rarely defined the same by all, yet everyone assumes a universality of definition. The experience of one member may be viewed/experienced differently by another member of the home. Bottom line really is that the an ‘occasional’ person in the mix may or may not be a member. But… if you are a member of a home then you have ‘rights and responsibilities’ – you are not a guest. One fact should become apparent – not everyone is a member of your home and there are some whose home is only themselves.
Regardless of the number, home can truly be a privilege – a blessing, a retreat, a sanctuary from the outside world. It is a place where you can be revived and strengthened. However, that’s the positive view of home. For some it is only a place to hang their hat or is a place of unhappiness. Never assume your situation is universal, whether positive or not. So, on the continuum where are you? Is your home a privilege or a place you’d prefer to avoid.
Never lightly disregard this privilege – with it comes responsibility, that’s the price to be part, to be involved in the life of the home. Responsibility confirms membership, a place to belong. And if you are the only one in the home – you still have the responsibility to make your situation as positive as possible. Which, when you think about it… is your privilege.
