As my days of mothering with the chicks in the nest come to an end, I find myself reflecting more and more on the amazing grace of God.  Like other new parents, Tom and I began the adventure of rearing children with absolutely no experience.  Zero.  Zilch. We made so many mistakes along the way, both in our marriage and in our parenting. Still, somehow in spite of us, our children have grown into thoughtful, loving, God-fearing adults who actually enjoy each other’s company and long to make a difference in the world. This can only have happened by the grace of God. 

Like most families I know, the growing up years have brought with them plenty of happiness, but also many unseen tears, sleepless nights, and cries to God for guidance as we all wrestle with the sin nature with which we’ve been born. The fact that these images don’t make it to social media posts doesn’t make them any less of a reality.  Many nights, unable to sleep because of concerns related to my parents, my husband or children, I’ve moved to the living room couch and just clung literally to the Word of God, hugging my Bible and crying out to God on behalf of my family. Somehow these never felt like selfie moments, but I’m convinced they have been some of the most important and formative times of my life and in the life of our family. 

So why this particular blog post?  To encourage others who may also have struggles within their homes. It is literally a spiritual battleground, especially for the believer.  Sometimes it feels like we are all alone in the fight, but we absolutely are not.  Sometimes we feel hopeless, but with Jesus there is always hope. Looking back over the last 25+ years causes me to treasure the smiling, happy family pictures even more, because they are a reflection of God’s amazing grace in our family’s story.  

I must confess there are parts of the picture that don’t look like I had imagined they would at this point. There are people missing from the family portraits whom I wish were still here, but God’s ways are always best and His grace is sufficient.  He faithfully supplies every need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

 Please know that you are not alone in your struggles. Behind every smiling face on Facebook is a heart that has been hurt. Longing to heal every hurting heart and guide safely through the storms of life is the Risen Redeemer, Jesus Christ. What He has done for us, He longs also to do for you. Cry out to Him; cling to His Word, and rest in His amazing grace.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”  Isaiah 43:2-3