Ingredients for Success

As a young girl growing up, I was forever shaped by two influences from my parents. These two things not only gave me confidence to make a difference in this world, but they also molded me into the homeschooling mom I am today.

One was the unspoken words in my mother's unconditional love, even for a rebellious, disrespectful daughter. Repeatedly, I broke her heart with all of the foolish choices I made as a teenager. She, however, demonstrated the love of Christ with her patient prayers and knew that somehow God would change my life.

The other influence came one day when I was in tenth grade. I remember handing my report card to my father and seeing the look of pride in his eyes. When he saw the straight "A's" on the paper in his hand, he told me I had the ability to be anything I wanted. I felt so empowered with that blessing. Knowing my earthly father thought I was capable of so much gave me the confidence to face whatever came into my life.

God the Father loves us in much the same way. He gives us unconditional love and significance. As the "apple of His eye" (Psalm 17:8), He tells us we "can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth" us (Philippians 4:13) and blesses us with "every good gift and every perfect gift" (James 1:17). We are His treasured children, and He invites us to call Him "Abba, Father" (Romans 8:15). We have been grafted into His family if we receive the forgiveness He offers through the blood of His Son, Jesus. He has a purpose and a plan for us to succeed, even as homeschool parents.

Father God, thank You for taking my broken life and giving it meaning. Thank You for Your Son's saving grace and the joy of knowing I am loved. Help me to give what was given to me. Help me to love my children unconditionally and lead them to the purpose You have planned for their lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.