Redemption Day Birthday Field Trip

Last week I got to go with my kids on their cross-country skiing field trip on my littlest disciple's birthday. It was so much fun! But more than fun, it was so redemptive my eyes filled with grateful tears anytime I stopped to think of it. 

You see, I did not choose rightly on my little guy's birthday four years ago. Four years ago, I was not even home for his birthday because I was on a work trip that I had to go on. Or at least back then, I thought I had to. And that was the day God allowed me to walk through a demotion instead of the promotion I had been striving for. That was when God opened my eyes to His priority and how far I had strayed. 

But this day, four years later, God allowed me a choice again. Thursdays are not the easiest day for me to miss at work. It is the day of our strategic leadership meeting. And it is the day when I usually get many things done. But this time, I knew my choice was clear. 

God has changed my heart and life radically these past four years. First, it was just me learning to stop seeking my identity in my achievement and what others thought about me at work. But once I stopped striving for value, I could start prioritizing my family. Then once I began prioritizing my family, God called me into homeschooling. Not two months into homeschooling, I realized it was the best thing I have ever done. The most important mission God has given me and my favorite job. 

So redemption was sweet in the air. Gratefulness of the amazing work God has done colored every moment. Even though I fell a whole bunch, my kids, who have skied before, totally ditched me to ski with their friends. 

My Little Joy Bugs

At the end of the day, after presents and cake at home, the middle disciple said, "I got a present today too. My best present was mom coming skiing with us."

Melt your heart for sure, but it also made me giggle because I barely saw that one all day. He skied with his buddy and did the big loop way out of reach for my skill level. I guess just seeing me choose them overwork was a gift to them. 

It was a gift to me too. 

The psalmist was right, "Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him." Psalm 127:3

Let's Pray:

Father, you are the creator of the universe, and you have set your truth in motion. Show us any places we are not prioritizing your way, and give us the strength to reprioritize your way. Your ways are the right ways, and we want to go your way. Thank you for your grace as you teach us the way we should walk. Thank you for being the perfect Father. Amen.