Family

                Before my son was born, I wrote him a letter. I plan to give it to him when he turns 18. I told him how excited I was to see who he was and what kind of person he would be. I also told him that no matter how things change as he gets older, I hope that he looks back on his childhood and can say that he grew up in a home filled with love. As soon as he was born, he stole my heart. With every accomplishment no matter how small, I am filled with pride and I always want my son to succeed. I have also been filled with embarrassment when he yells out in church or spits up all over me and my friends couch and floor, but no matter what he does good or bad, I will always love him just as much as I did the day he was born.

                Psalm 23 is a very popular part of the Bible. At the beginning of the Psalm, David writes that he is like a sheep to God. David is one of God’s many possessions and God takes very good care of him. Then David says that God “restores my soul” and then the Psalm changes. Now wherever he goes, David represents the name of God. Like a child being led by his Father, “Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me.” The Psalm progresses as if David is now a young man when he makes mention of God preparing a feast for him for everyone to see. God is showing all those who hate David that he is honored and blessed by God. He concludes by saying that “I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live” which in that day would mean that David was a permanent part of God’s family.

                It is easy to forget that God has transformed our lives making us not just His possessions, but His children. This means He not only loves us and cares for us, but He also is proud of us when we do what is right and He wants us to succeed. He is with us through the dark times in our life and we represent His name in everything we do. With this in mind, when I pray, to I talk to God as if He is my Father or as if I am not important to Him? Do I trust Him to take care of me? Do I do a good job at representing Who He is to other people? Are there things that I do that might embarrass God?

                Dear Lord, thank You for caring for me and making me part of Your family. Help me to make you proud and do a good job at representing You to the world. Help me to remember that I first represent You to my family and to be the loving mother and wife You have taught me to be. Amen.