What is it that leaves me feeling empty, disconnected, and alone- even when I find myself rarely physically alone?

What takes the spark out of my relationship with my spouse? I dream that my kids will grow up to love the Lord with all their hearts, souls, minds, and strength. But, what about me is keeping them from seeing a true portrait of what that looks like?

When I get distracted by the urgent and let my focus be on the hurry, the busy, and what seems to need to be now, that work project, this pile of laundry mounding to the ceiling, those unending dishes, I find myself more apt to snap at my kids, complain to my husband, and worry in my own soul. Yet, when I simply obey what I know to be God’s will for me in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” it is easier to have the unfading beauty Peter spoke of in 1 Peter 3:4, which invites other people to rest in my presence.

I long to reflect the Lord to my family, to my family in the Lord, and to a lost and dying world. Moment by moment, day in and day out, this requires continual dependence on Him and continual effort, which, let’s face it, can be hard in the mass of activity that is life. But I have to remind myself- it’s harder not to!

So, I’m seeking to focus on 3 important things, and inviting you on the journey with me!

1. Engage Deeply with the Lord, with your spouse, your kids, your parents, your friends, your co-workers, your world. Talk about the things that are most important, the things that are essential to you being you and them being them- and with a sincerity and humility that makes you real.
2. Embrace Wholly– Connect with those that are important to you. We so often feel alone when we disconnect ourselves from those we love- even if it is just part of ourselves. Bring your whole self to the table and encourage, strengthen, redirect, and build up those you love.
3. Delight Lavishly– Celebrate the deeply consequential as well as the minutia of life. Really, really delight in them. Notice the little things the Lord does to say, “I love you, Child!” Go on, take a moment to actively celebrate them!

Let’s Engage, Embrace, and Delight through the days and nights of life.