House or Home

There once was two houses that were very different... You have to pick one and are trying to decide based on these observations.

House #1:

This house is fairly traditional. The exterior catches your eye like the glare of the sun off a window in the early afternoon.

It's fleeting and ordinary.

It has a fresh coat of neutral paint and a new roof that doesn't stand out.

It’s found in the suburbs of a small town, with a standard white picket fence yard. The grass in the yard is always perfectly manicured, leaves in the fall never have a chance to rest. The neighbors are incredibly polite and proper.

Children could grow up here like every other child on the block- riding bikes and walking to the swimming pool or park. Safe and secure.

The one noteworthy thing about this house is its large basement, full of space for secrets and unspoken memories. It could be renovated and bring the house to a whole new level- or be left alone and remain like every other house on the block.

The plumbing may need to be worked on and the interior may need some updates, but it is a perfectly fine house, made for perfectly fine memories, a perfectly fine family, and a perfectly fine life.

How much work are you willing to give for perfectly fine? Is it worth the risk?

What about this other house...

House #2:

This other house is different.

Something about it makes you look twice. If you don’t take the time, you might miss its unique character. It isn't an obvious difference from the others, but it's something you feel.

It’s found tucked away in the mountains like a gemstone hiding from a greedy miner.

The yard is never kept because it is part of the forest. It's wild and carefree. Treehouse included.

Belly laughs can be heard here.

Children can get dirty and find themselves here. There are no fences or neighbors for miles. This house has all sorts of intriguing nooks and crannies where little treasures and delights can be found.

There’s a versatile fireplace where warm hugs and smiles, a romantic evening and wine, or a heated argument and tears are shared.

An abundance of natural light shines on the truths held here, there's no room for lies or dishonesty.

It is sturdy, but may need some work on the interior. This will be some hard work, but so worth it.

In the end, this house will always be there, waiting to be a home. It will take a while to make into a true home.

How long are you willing to wait, and how hard are you willing to work? Is it worth the risk?

So which one do you choose? A house or a home?

Or neither...

Maybe the answer is to wander. Exploring the different terrains of the earth and architecture of yourself is exciting.

Why settle down when there's so much to learn?

But what happens when you grow weary of the wandering? When every adventure has been had and every mystery of yourself solved?

What if it's too late to choose a home? How do you know?

There doesn't seem to be a good or bad or right or wrong answer to these questions. And maybe there doesn't need to be. And of course, there are so many other kinds of houses.

It's important to remember: Home doesn't have to be a place, a house, or a person... It's a feeling.

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