Domestic Diplomacy

Public relations, so-called, have come to be important to both individuals and organizations- that is, the impression ⎯ the “image” ⎯ with which we are, in other minds, inseparably associated. Merchants, manufacturers, professional men, and many others learn the importance of these impressions. All this is readily recognized in many relationships of life.

And it would seem that this should also be as readily recognized, or more so, at home, with those we love and live within the closest of all associations ⎯ with those who mean the most.

Are not those who belong to us, and to whom we belong, entitled to see the better side of ourselves ⎯ not the most formal side, perhaps, but the most understanding and considerate side; to hear our thanks, to know of our interest, share our confidences; to give and take, and be accommodated even at our own inconvenience? Are they not entitled to see us groomed and pleasant and personable; to receive pleasant replies, and to know, and hear, and feel our gratitude and love and loyalty?

Sometimes it might be well to ask ourselves what it would be like not to be able to go home ⎯ not to have a place in the family circle ⎯ not to have a sense of belonging ⎯ not to know that there are some who share our sorrows and successes or who feel a personal responsibility, as if we were personally a part of them.

God has given us no greater blessing that of belonging to a loving and loyal family, of having a home, a place where we are welcome and understood, free from fear of being unkindly quoted; a place where all our interests are sincerely considered and served. Surely such a place deserves the best of all we can give ⎯ deserves to see and hear the better side of all we can give ⎯ deserves to see and hear the better side of ourselves, and to receive from us a fair share of service in all the thousand things it takes to keep it going. Home deserves our consideration, our appreciation, our help, and a faithful, pleasant performance on our part.

“God Bless Our Home” is a motto that once appeared on many walls. And He will bless it, and us, if we bless each other and serve and live and share in love and loyalty. Home is, or can be ⎯ should be ⎯ the nearest thing we have to a heaven on earth.