There is great strength & health in heartfelt confession to others when we have sinned. If you remember anything from this little note, remember that.

When we acknowledge our sin to each other (when we humble ourselves and trust our family and friends in Christ) we open a powerful, relational door, full of humility and practical encouragement and support. Yes, this can be risky, but with wisdom there are incredible perks and advantages.

God is faithful when we come to him privately, but He has made us family. We are a community that is meant to do life together.

I remember the churches that our family was a part of when I was growing up. (Yes, there were a few as my dad's jobs had us moving a lot. :)

They were communities who had regular times at the end of Sunday meetings where we were invited to come for prayer if we wanting support. Others, then, would come and buddy up with each person, respectfully ask what they would like prayer for and... pray.

Sounds simple, but in hindsight, they were some of the most memorable moments in church gatherings for me personally. Sometimes I was the one needing prayer and other times I was the one listening and praying for. We became family in these sacred spaces. They were personal, earned trust, and grew humility. We realized, just as James goes on to say in verse 17, that we were all humans on a challenging journey with a supernatural God. We needed Jesus and each other.

Recently, we were away for the weekend with our kids and their kids. It was so much fun! Not excessive amounts of sleep, but tons of food & fun!

As I observed the interactions and conversations, a wondering thought crossed my mind... have I placed too much weight on the successes and failures that we have experienced together? Have I allowed the status of having a 'successful family' to become part of my identity?

I am not discounting any of the positive or negative experiences as they have served to only enrich our lives, but I think that the Holy Spirit was challenging me with these questions.  Had too much of my identity, sense of accomplishment and well being been swayed by the plus' and minus' of family life?

I realize that I am possibly only speaking to myself here, but I'll continue so I can learn something...

Kids are a gift. They've been entrusted to us by our Father, God. They’re not ours to claim credit for or place a feather in our cap about. We had no more input into their design and natures than we did in our own. The truth is, that we could only control certain elements of their lives. Make no mistake, they do reflect us and the home of their upbringing, the steering, nurturing, and guidance that we as parents have given them, but they are still Gods, ingrained with His DNA, entrusted to us.

As a mom and nana, I must not forgo or take lightly the responsibility that I’ve been given ... the stewarding of several children. But, I should not take ownership nor credit for what is Gods. I must release them, daily if necessary, to His plan, looking to Him on how to encourage these kids, truly assisting them to become all that God has designed them to be.

I don't think parenting really ends, it just changes.

All of our children are now adults, raising their own crews. When they were babies, my husband & I did everything for them. Now we serve and try to interact from a different position — much more like the sidelines of a grand race, cheering them on. It doesn’t mean though that I don’t have occasional meltdowns, forget my position, and jump down on the track to help!  Sigh... I’d still try and win the race for them if I could! But that is just dumb and quite frankly, selfish.

This is their race, not mine. If they ask for help, I’m right there to give them support and love, to coach, but I must send them on. Is it hard to do that? You bet it is! My momma heart wants to be involved in every aspect of their lives... I don't like the separation, but I do love to see them grow and become confident adults and leaders in their home and surroundings.

They are God’s kids, and I have to trust that He is showing them the next steps. I must believe that their hearts are trained well and they only want what we, as earthly parents, have wanted for them... to know, love and serve the heart of God. If I don’t believe that, then I fail them in all the messages of faith that I have shared and lived for them over the years.

So, I humbly return to my seat in the stands and start cheering (and praying) all over again.

Jesus came at Christmas to offer us partnership.  
He came to call us in to his rich, blessed community.

He partnered with us by becoming a baby.
He offers us the opportunity to partner with him by becoming his child.

Amazing! Do you believe?