Lots of deep thoughts and good conversations lately. I had a nice cry with my mom because I was telling her how thankful I am to have parents that did not ruin me for life in any major way. In fact, I can actually say they did a pretty darn good job. I remember always feeling safe, loved, and accepted at home. I know my parents loved each other and I saw that in the day to day moments of our life. I don't remember huge arguments or people screaming at each other. There was a lot of laughter, traditions, and memories made together as a family. I am so grateful to be able to say that there is nothing significant I am planning on changing as a parent from how my parents raised me. The things I have done or will do differently are things that I want to add on top of the existing foundation I was given. I guess growing up I assumed everybody had it as good as I did. Now I know better. I truly believe that the home should be the primary place of ministry and modeling Christ in our lives, as opposed to putting on our Sunday best but living out something totally different the rest of the week; sadly for many many believers, the latter of the two is their reality. That has to be so confusing and disheartening for a child growing up in that environment! No wonder so many church kids grow up and stray far away from the faith.

Lord, let me not take for granted the gift I've been given and let me be faithful in passing that gift on to my children.