I wrote a post a while ago about how our homes can become safe places for our kids to land called Healing Balm you can read it here

As moms, we have this fantastic opportunity to create an atmosphere of love at home, sweetened by the fruits of the spirit: joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. It sounds ideal because it is. It’s also very hard to accomplish on our strength alone.

As moms, we need the Holy Spirit to guide us. It’s almost impossible to be equal to the task He has blessed us with unless we lean on His strength. It’s so important to be immersed in God’s Word and surround ourselves with loving support. I have, at times, been wildly unsuccessful at watering the fruits of the spirit within my own home, and my kids will be the first to agree that we’ve often created mountains out of molehills, miscommunicated, spoken hurtful words, and walked away angry with unresolved issues lingering in the stormy atmosphere. I could go on, but I think the point is clear; no home is perfect.

How have I survived all these years!? I have been blessed beyond measure to have sisters. We have shared countless moments and memories. They have walked with me through it all! Today we are in seasons that are unique to each one of our households and also have so much in common. We talk almost daily and share the hills and valleys of motherhood and that is a gift! I know I can count on them to pray, celebrate, laugh and cry. Thank you sistas!!!!xox

Sisters in the younger years ♥

Blessed with another sister when my youngest brother met and married Halcyon

 

I am in the middle of my sisters in this photo.

They have always surrounded me with love, I am so grateful!

One of the hardest things I’ve ever done as a mom is dropping off my eldest at university. He was the first of five kids to move away, and even though I was happy and excited for him, I couldn’t help feeling like I was losing my family. Oh, did I shed some tears that day! I was in a new space full of uncomfortable unknowns. What would he be doing every day? Where is he going? Who is he hanging out with? When your kids are still at home, you have your finger on the pulse of what’s going on in their lives. It’s an enormous and challenging transition to let go of that. I didn’t know what else to do, so I focused on making a home for him (and the other two I’ve launched out into the world since then) just as I had done the day I brought them home from the hospital. Only this time, instead of a safe environment to grow up and explore, I’ve made my home into a landing strip that tethers them to a place of rest and connectivity, where they can refuel if needed before taking off on their next big adventure. I’m so grateful and excited whenever they come back home for a visit.  

I’m learning to love this new stage as they come and go, and it makes me deeply appreciate the time we do have together. It is a new season of motherhood, one that’s full of ebbs and flows. I don’t take it for granted; I want to embrace it and be grateful for what I do have instead of thinking about what I don’t have. Each of our kids, just like we did, needs to find their place in life. As their mom, I am with them as they make their moves. I will never stop being a mom, but now I’m learning to become a friend and mentor. My oldest daughter recently reminded me of something I told her once that helped her during difficult periods in her friendships. She said I encouraged her to remember that you never know what’s going on in somebody’s life…there’s always a story behind the hurt, and we need to demonstrate grace. I was honoured and surprised that she’d remembered those words and taken them to heart, and it made me all the more mindful that what we say to our kids carries weight…and sometimes we need to take our own advice!

Parenting is tough and gritty work, but it’s also a rewarding and beautiful gift while we lean on God’s strength. I continue to pursue His plan for me and my household with the reminder from Joshua 24:15: “As for me and my house, we shall serve the LORD.” I am where I am supposed to be, and with this knowledge, I embrace with open hands in this new and uncertain season.

 

John Waller – As for Me and My House

 

 

Healing Balm

Seasons come and go, but the Lord prepares the way before us. He never changes!