and we're back......

What is success? We all have an idea of what it means to be successful, that is what we base our self-worth on. Have we reached that "level" that we've decided is "it?" Have we reached the mountaintop that we've allowed someone else to define for us? Are we working towards a feeling that will make us comfortable, safe, and confident in ourselves? 

I pitied myself for years because I had never felt successful by society’s standards. Not having those material things that automatically qualify you as a worthy person. 

Becoming a parent and stay-at-home mom redefined me in more ways than the obvious. I've begun to realize that I was the one seeing myself as a failure and placing those insecure labels on my family. The last few years have marked the beginning of  reconditioned values and desires. Re-evaluating what's important and what your actual needs are is difficult. You admit that you’ve been attempting to keep up with the Jones's and feel ashamed. No one wants to admit they value money above all else. And no one wants to accept that their life is a failure. I certainly wasn’t okay with either admissions.

The Holy Spirit has graciously been reshaping my thinking. When I stop and reflect on my life and what I've been given I am completely overwhelmed. My life is full of blessing after blessing. My mom used to always (and still does) say, "my kids are a success because they walk with Jesus." Typing those words brings tears to my eyes. Of course! What a dumdum I am! 

The Proverbs 31 woman describes a wife of noble character as being worth far more than rubies. I don't know if I could hold my own next to a pot full of precious jewels. Would someone really pick me over wealth? Would my husband and kids be better off without me if I was traded in for all the riches in the world? No, they wouldn't! 

God has given me the charge and passion to love my dudes. To respect and encourage my husband to do all that God has planned for him. To nurture and cherish my boys to grow into strong, gentle men of courage, men who whole-heartedly chase after Jesus. 

I am not defined by how much I have or what my desires of self-promotion are. My love for my husband should not be conditional to how many times he says, "thank you" or voluntarily does the dishes. My love for my sons is not conditional on what they grow up to accomplish and make of themselves. 

I am a success because I walk with Jesus. I am worthy of friendship because I can love and support. I am a good mom because I seek God’s wisdom and strength to raise my children through the eyes of Jesus. My marriage is growing and changing shape daily through prayer and a determination to honor God. My family is a gift; the giggles and noise in my house are a constant reminder of innumerable blessings. 

Proverbs 27:23-24 (NIV) 

Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, 

give careful attention to your herds;

for riches do not endure forever, 

and a crown is not secure for all generations.