As I sit rocking my baby girl, it’s easy to reflect on how much has changed since we’ve been married and established our family.  I sit in a house that looks rather different than it did six years ago– before our first child joined us.  We are so different: stretched, tired, stressed, faith-full, and joy-filled.

The family presents an awesome opportunity for personal sanctification. Think of all the moments of spiritual growth that happen on a day-to-day basis as a mom:

1. Self-Sacrifice: the sleepless nights, the last cookie, the career ambitions, evenings at the ball field, all the cleaning and washing and re-cleaning and re-washing.
2. Patience: raising more than one 3 year old.
3. Dependence on Christ and Prayer:  with a sick kid,  anxiety, being a full-time working mom, this world that we live in, kindergarten.
4. Finding joy… in the mess, on the tough days, when it all falls apart.
5. Thankfulness for every smile, laugh, hug, and kiss.
6. Grace: extending it to others and accepting it, too.

My family is the place I’ve found my purpose and my home. It’s where I am becoming the woman God has always called me to be. It’s my best gift, my biggest blessing, and my place for sanctification. Thank you, Jesus, for my family!