Home, a place you can run to or sadly a place to run from. We don’t decide the home we were given, but in our homes later in life we can do our utmost (with God’s strength) to create a place that provides peace, serenity and love. I don’t recall how I came across her, but I follow a young mom on social media that had a tumultuous life that has, by God’s grace, turned it around and is now creating a home for her young family that she never experienced. In and out of the foster care system, she suffered pain and neglect. I read her words and see the choices she is making to redeem what was lost. Along the way she was introduced to Christ and has become and advocate for those in the foster system, is married with kids and fostering. This did not happen overnight, likely God brought community into her life to support her through the trials. I would love to meet her one day. Her story is an example of hope. Although her home (or many homes) were not a place she could run to, she is being purposeful today in her own home and at the same time sharing with the world her journey. That is brave and I am thankful I stumbled on her story.

Our homes are imperfect because we are flawed and in need of grace, daily. I think the best place to begin is admitting our weaknesses, seeking grace and humbly asking for forgiveness. Stubbornness creates habits that lead to a hardness of the heart and a stern pride. This becomes a wall that others become weary of breaking down. As a mom, it is my role to raise kids toward independence, to leave our created nests and build one of their own. My hope is that as they spread their wings and take with them the blemishes of imperfect parenting, they will use that for the flight path toward their own unique landing. I don’t want them bursting out like a pterodactyl, I hope they work hard to ease out of the cocoon and break forth with strength in their new found wings as they are released. They go undergirded with countless prayers and will be received with love when they touch down again. My prayer is that I create a place they can run to, but most importantly, Lord willing, that they hasten their stride to toward him and rest in his unfailing love.

We are aware that September brings change in so many unknown and yet predicable ways. We know the landscape changes with the gorgeous colours that blanket the treeline, the coolness of the evening, the days becoming darker way too fast and the routine of back-to-school. We don’t know what tomorrow brings so we have to rest in this promise for each unique flight path our kids will take. Whether we have young ones in our arms or young adults stepping out into dorm life, we have an opportunity today for our homes to be a healing balm. Not perfect, one saturated with intentional prayer and grace. As these last days of August roll out, I am reminded in Matthew 6:25-27 to not worry about what is ahead,

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

Andrew Peterson has many beautiful songs, I would like to highlight two for your weekend listening: Be Kind To Yourself and and Is He Worthy?

4 responses to “Healing Balm”

1. Love the healing balm to each other to our souls… ox

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   • You created a home that was healing, thank you!

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2. Hello again my dear -here we are again!
   Remembering the home we had. Now the home you’ve had and the haven it can be for your flock to come home to…meaningful reflections and much food for thought as younger moms read this. May God fill any void you could feel as you send off tomorrow. Good song-did you know it? I only heard it yesterday…💖🙏🏻
   I

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   • Such a wonderful time to reflect and I am so grateful for you!

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