I remember when my children started sharing rooms like yesterday. I seriously wondered if I was a bad parent for asking them to share a room! Our family was growing, and we really had no choice at the time. But all of the voices around me said that individuality ruled, and our children deserved their own spaces.
When I was young, I had my own room. I grew up in the “perfect sized” family of four, and I spent many hours staring at the walls of my room, all alone, listening to music or reading a book. I was free to arrange the room as I liked, and could pretty much do whatever I wanted in the space.
I was in for a rude awakening once I was married. Suddenly two became one, and my opinion didn’t rule the roost any longer. Y’all, it was a struggle.
When my children began to room share, I saw how this arrangement could prepare them for both marriage and life. It wasn’t a bad thing! The Lord could use room sharing to prepare their hearts for the future.
Related: Encouragement for Moms
We were meant for community, and room sharing teaches our children how to serve and put the needs of others before their own. Sure, there have been squabbles in our room sharing adventures, but there have also been laughs. Relationships have been strengthened. I’ve seen my children put their own needs aside, and instead, agree to help their siblings in some way.
This is our calling as Christians, isn’t it? To be the hands and feet of Jesus. Room sharing is certainly hands on training to complete this mission!
The individuality that the American dream encourages isn’t quite Biblical, and it can sabotage a marriage. Room sharing is a small way to prepare our children’s hearts and minds for the future. Give it a try, you might be surprised at the benefits your family will discover!
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:3-4
