Overwhelmed by My Blessings: Encouragement for Moms (Part 6)Sample

We were meeting at her house that day, her address in my map app so I could drive right to it. Instead, I’d drive where the blue dot told me to, and it would indicate that I had passed her location. After driving back and forth a few times, I looked around and noticed the most unusual house on the entire block. Of course it was hers!

She welcomed me in through the gates into what felt like a Japanese garden. Together, we passed through the massive front door into a warm, eclectic mix of modern and Asian beauty that exemplified the freedom and peace of my new friend’s heart.

We had met for coffee a few weeks earlier. She was concerned for her teen children. Were they missing out on something important in life, she wondered? They’d been given so much and lived a very different existence than most of their friends. Even at young ages they had traveled the world on mission trips with their parents. Their life was one of abundance and plenty, but you’d never know it by their behavior. I was able to assure my friend that I certainly saw nothing wrong with her kids. In fact, I saw remarkable uniqueness expressed by this family’s freedom and joy. It all pointed to their love for others and a deep love for their Provider, Jesus. It was something to celebrate!

Ask yourself: what is the unique quality of my family? What sets us apart from others? Maybe an easier question is what makes us--- “us”?

For us, it was the masses, the many. Nine immediate family members is not common in today’s society. Add to that home births, home education and living in the country, and well...that’s just not what most people would consider normal.

What makes your family different? Did you adopt or foster children? Does your husband work out of town often? Is he in the military? A pastor? Are you a single mom? Do you have a special needs child or a live-in grandparent? Are you a two-child family? All boys? A blended family? Maybe these are just the things that will help train up your children in the way they need to go.

When we celebrate our unique callings, I believe we gain a sense of belonging to a greater purpose. Realizing that we don’t need to be like everyone else and teaching this to our children can establish a deep identity within them. A unique identity that will launch them into their individual purposes as they leave our homes and begin their own lives.

What sets you apart? Celebrate the power of your difference!

Father, I admit, I’ve bucked against this entire idea. I compare my family to my friends’ and it seems like we are just failing or missing it somewhere. Maybe what I think is tearing us apart is actually what is putting us together. May I find joy in our uniqueness as I teach my family to celebrate who we are and who we will become through You.

Consider reading today's scriptures from The Message

If you have enjoyed this plan by Robin Meadows, consider reading the first 5 parts and find part 7 here.

Overwhelmed by My Blessings:100 Days of Refocusing Your Heart

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