Iron Sharpeners

Of all the roles I've played, being a mother is definitely by far the most challenging.  It is a demanding, often grueling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week job.  My kids love throwing me into situations where I have to act quickly and think even more quickly.  These beautiful little beings who have been entrusted to me by the Most High are thoroughly equipped with strength, wit, strategery (think SNL), persistence and the list goes on and on. 

But man, am I grateful for being placed in this role.  Because these little beings maybe demanding and challenging, but they are also some of the best disciples I've had in my life.  Daily they teach me self-control, how to respond in peace and kindness, and how to choose joy even when said little beings are not making the same choice.  In them, I get a glimpse into the Father's heart as they pursue me, their momma, with their hearts and their love. 

I thought of Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."  I'm so blessed to have a number of people who sharpen me, but when I think about the ones who have the most influence, the ones who make me want to look more like Jesus, it is SE and Fin.  I want them to grow up knowing that regardless of their status or the situation they have proposed to me, they matter, they have value, and they are owed respect and honor.  I want them to see the love of Jesus in me and feel His pursuit of them through my pursuit of them.  I want to plant seeds of His Kingdom values, not seeds of the world. 

As I think about being celebrated on Mother's Day, I kind of laugh to myself because yes, being a mom is an amazing role, one that I can't even begin to express gratitude for and never want to take for granted.  But to me, it's as much about my kids as it is about being a mother.  Without them, I don't get the title "mom".  Without them, I miss out on so much of what God has for me.  Without them, I miss out on so many experiences.  And let's face it, who doesn't want to experience their 2-year-old hockey checking another toddler in the middle of a youth basketball practice and trying to respond with the heart of the God. 

Being a mom...it's kind of the best thing ever...

New beginnings

I'm not really sure how to begin this post...it's a new year, a new season, and while I've never been one to really shy away from change, a big change happened today.  After a Christmas full of joy and gratefulness and a new year ushered in with friends and adventures, we had to say good-bye to some of our dearest friends.  And while I am so excited to see the Lord reward and bless their faithful hearts, I am also so very sad to see them go.

To say they are great friends is an understatement.  We've done life so very closely with them for over two and half years seeing them usually more than once a week unless someone was out of town.  We've celebrated the births of babies, A WEDDING, birthdays, and holidays.

We've gone on vacations and double dates and retreats together.  We've just been ourselves and hung out many a nights together doing absolutely nothing (or having Nertz battles!).

We have shared much laughter and tears and celebrations, but mostly, there has been a realness to our relationship for which I am so very grateful.

To say they've loved us and loved our kids well doesn't even come close to the joy they've brought to me, Sean, Sean Edward and Finley.  All of us are forever changed because of the love they have poured into us.

To say we love them wouldn't even begin to fully describe how we feel about them.  It's been an honor to do life beside them.  Chicago is one lucky city because it is getting some of the BEST people I know.  And I know as amazing as they were here, they are going to be even more amazing there.  Because what the Lord ordains is so much greater than we can ever imagine.

And thankfully, new beginnings are God breathed that have the assurance of His presence and Him.  So friends we send you off with the power of the Holy Spirit going before you and covering you along the way.  Only greatness awaits you in Chicago...new adventures, new relationships, new things.  And we'll be here living it with you although in a different way, but still laughing, crying and celebrating because:

"The faithful love of the Lord never ends; His mercies never cease.  Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning."  Lamentations 3:22-23