Home is Where Your Story Begins

I have a plaque over the desk in my home office.  It reads, "Home is where your story begins."  My mother in law gave it to me because she wanted the words to inspire me as I write.  Every day I look at that sign and think of what an amazingly true and powerful statement it is.  No matter the home you come from, your story begins there.  But as I was reflecting on the plaque today, I realized that your story doesn't have to end there.

I grew up in a stable Christian home with parents who loved each other fiercely.  They attempted to have their every action be Christ and family centered.  So when I draw on the beginning of my story, it is strong and good and comforting.  But what about those whose story doesn't start so well?  What about those who began life neglected or abused or in the midst of strife and chaos?  If their story begins like that, what hope do they have?  At least when you start out life with a good story, then when bad things come, you have a solid basis on which to deal with those things. 

I began to feel bad.  Should I take the plaque down?  Is what it says unfair?  As I started to pray about it, I realized that "home" is where your heart is.  It is where you feel peace and loved.  And if the only place you feel peace and loved is with the Lord, then that's where your story begins.  That's your home.  That's where you find out who you are and what you were created for.  What a place to find out the plans and the purposes for your life.

What if your story started off well and you really screwed it up?  Then what?  You get to start your story over, with Christ.  You get to wash away the past and begin afresh.  That doesn't mean you won't have to deal with consequences of sin, but you can begin to clean up the mess and the yuck, by starting your story over new every day. 

So you see, precious one, no matter the home where your story began, you can start with a brand new chapter.  One where you are valued and precious and celebrated.  Be fierce about figuring out the plans and purposes He has for you and go after them and write a whole new story.  I've had to begin new chapters several times.  I'm so glad He wants me to make my home in Him!  I am continually amazed at the blessings He has given me to be grateful for:

100.  My parent's passion for following after the things of God.  For the example of putting Him first, above all else.  Their example of righteous living.

101.  My parent's passion for each other.  For the example of trying to outdo each other in love.  For their selflessness in putting each other first.  For their love story.

102.  For a childhood filled with love and safety.

103.  For meeting a new group of sisters this week who I get to study the Word with and pray with and do life with.

104.  For learning that He will give me grace sufficient to get through each day when I spend time with Him.

105.  For beautiful Oklahoma sunsets that make my heart sing at the glory of God!

If you'd like to see what others are grateful for, head on over to Ann Voskamp's site, A Holy Experience.




From His lap,