Proverbs 17

 verse 1 it says "Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting and strife"

I read through the whole chapter and had far too many thoughts about them all,but going over it again,verse 1,for me,sums up the whole chapter.

Im not sure about the quiet part! (two pre-schoolers does not a 'quiet' house make!),but having peace in our home is so incredibly important!
But I reckon peace comes in different forms,I feel more at peace when Im listening to God and that involves so much!
Our home is full of peace when Steve and I are good in our relationship (amazing how much that one relationship can affect!),when we are both spending some time with God.All of that seems to go hand-in-hand though.If Im not feeling good in my relationship with God it affects my marriage,which affects the girls and means there isnt much peace.We arent perfect and there are definetly times where things arent hunky dorey,and Im not sure why I had neglected/forgotten the importance of not just my body or mind but my soul as well.That any one of those things affects the others just as much.

Something that Steve and I have placed a huge importance on is quality time with each other and as a family.Even before we had kids we knew it was important.For us it has meant I stay at home with the girls,partially so that I can get stuff done around the home,so when Steve is home we can spend time as a family (btw again not judging anyone else!This was our choice and each to their own).It means that the girls are getting a lot of positive attention instead of both Steve and I being tired by the end of the day and just wanting them in bed (though some nights I do still want that :p Kids are hard work ok?!).Hahaha we have literally lived the 'dry crust' instead of the 'feasting' ...Im not sure that any of this was Solomons intent when he wrote these things,but it is what I am getting out of them.This is how this verse particularly relates to me and my life.I really think our life would be a lot more stressful, full of "strife" if we didnt do these things.Gaaah not sure if Im making sense,but honestly these are my thoughts on it all!

So I guess,even just the word 'peace' made me remember again the importance of it!Just that one word!And what I need to do to have it in my life,and in my home.

(oh and again,the whole chapter is a reminder of being more Christ like,following God's wisdom and keeping my mouth shut!I think God knew how stubborn and thick headed humans could be and knew we would need to be constantly reminded of these things!)