Running home...

In the midst of the turmoil and battle in our lives I felt a deep desire to run home to mom and dad. On New Years Eve we drove over 300 miles so I could do just that (isn't my husband a good man).

I can't tell you what a good trip it was, we all had quality time with my parents. I got to cry on my mom's shoulder and hug her and tell her I love her. I got to talk with my dad about retirement (he is well overdue!) and slowing his life down, and about our desire to move to AZ. My mom is in chronic pain most days now making travel near impossible. Our hectic schedule doesn't make it much easier for all of us to get away either. Thankfully this trip worked out and was a blessing to all. Kathryn, my mom and I started a puzzle together, sang showtunes and just laughed! I have not seen my mom like that in many years. It was good to have that "unconditional" love that comes from your parents, that no matter what we have done, they still look at us with a deep, unfailing love and see us - not our mistakes. (Hebrews 8:12 "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.") Just the way that God sees each of us; not a list of our sins, not a look of disgust or unbelief but of pure love and grace. (John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.")

The same way I feel for my children when they make mistakes, love and grace. Though they break our hearts time and time again, just as we do to Our Heavenly Father, I will always take them back in my arms. I can't change the consequences they have to go through or the pain, but I can be with them through it all, just as Christ is with us. The battle is not over for us, but I already know who won!

Hard life lessons to learn, but so good to know we can run home to our Heavenly Father...

Liz