It seemed to be a conversation that was needed today.

Recently I was involved with a community ladies night in town. I was the guest storyteller for the evening. I was humbled and honoured to speak that night. My story has been a turning point in my life and needs to be shared. This is a story of hope and restoration. I praise God for His word and promises. They are always yes and amen.

God does need us to have our boots to the ground and do the hard work, and it is not always easy. When we do submit and turn to Him in this process, reconciliation is possible. It takes a heart that is yielding, eyes that see and ears that hear. When we decide to be obedient to His calling it is pure beauty we see.

My husband and I were talking at the dinner table before eating as we always do. In our journey of reconciliation, we said that we would always take the time to talk about our day, experiences, feelings and troubles. We turned our conversation to the Phoebe night where I spoke. I mentioned that my parents didn’t seem interested at all. The tears instantly started to flow down my cheeks. It hurt. Period. I don’t know if there is ever a time in life where you don’t want your parents to be interested in your life. I am 51 years of age and still seem to need my parent’s approval and support. Does that ever stop? I mean really?

You may be thinking that I shouldn’t even think that way. Get over it! Well, for me, it’s not that easy. I will not get into any details, but there is history. When it comes to times like this, it’s like I crawl back into a little girl’s body and wonder if I will ever be good enough. Will I ever do anything that makes my mom and dad proud?

I am now a mother and grandmother, and my children are one of my greatest joys. I have decided through this painful time in life to be the best mom and grandmother I can be. I have NOT been the best mother in the past and made horrible mistakes. But I am committed to being a mentor and someone who my children can come to. I want to create a safe environment for them to come home to. They should be able to come to me, talk and vent, with no judgment but to love and guide them the best I know how. I will always pray for them and love, unconditionally.

We need to create a space for our children to come and rest. Our children have great pressure these days and how else will they learn if they cannot come to us and talk. How many families are taking time for family dinners these days? Are we all just on our phones not paying attention to the conversation? Is the television on and all attention given to the boob tube? There will be a day when these faces will not be at the table anymore. There will be empty chairs and sadness, maybe a regret or two. My heart is sad when I type this. I don’t want this for my family at all. I want us to make the best of our time together laughing and talking, maybe even tears.

I challenge you to evaluate your family time. I challenge you to pray big bold prayers for you and your children. If you aren’t, then who is? Take the time to tell your children how proud you are of them and how much you love them. Hug them tight today.

I do this as I miss this.

My husband does this as he cannot do this with his parents anymore as they are in heaven.

I pray my children do this with their own.

We need to raise our children in a loving, welcoming safe home.

May God help us!