This is a blog written by my mom. Most people in my life have some sort of nickname for her, whether that be Mamma Llama, Queen Lillian, and of course just mom. Enjoy her words because they are some of the best!
My family is how big?!?! One would think that I would know the answer to that question. But when your children are raised to be “mission minded”, one is never sure!
I have to start off by saying: THANK YOU 2017 X SQUAD!! I. Love. Every. Single. One. Of. You! My heart is overflowing!! In August, 2017, we had barely even met. In fact, I was so focused on “getting through” the good byes, that I’m not even sure that I saw all of your faces then. But after making it a priority to read your blogs during your entire 11 months, I hope I’ve earned the right to call you family!! After all, we are blood-related!
FAMILY…..one of the less talked about blessings of this world race journey. But what is the definition of Family?
Webster says:
noun
1. a group consisting of parents and children living together in a household.
2. all the descendants of a common ancestor.
We all start our world race journey holding tightly to the group consisting of parents and children. And, rightly so, children are a gift from God. It limits my responsibilities. It protects my heart. But, I have discovered that I have limited my blessings by holding onto that definition.
Is it what God wants? Does He want me to limit my responsibilities and protect my heart? Somewhere along the journey, my heart changed to the second definition. The descendants of a common ancestor…more appropriately, Creator. I have learned from experience, that it is far better to allow Our Creator to limit and protect!
When I decided to follow as many world race blogs as possible….my world changed in so many ways! I received so many blessings! The only thing that comes to mind is from “The Grinch”. Looking hindsight, my heart was definitely, at least, 2 sizes too small!
So often, when getting to know others, we focus on the external. That’s because it’s what is in front of us. But by only being able to read blogs of the world race squad, I was “forced” to focus on the heart. What an experience!
To sum it all up, my family has grown! My arms and heart are always open to experience Jesus with others, both at home AND across the miles! I may not know your faces, but I do know your hearts through your words!!! So, those that take adventures in missions KEEP ON BLOGGING!! No matter how small, unimportant or insignificant it seems….God uses every word!! We are able to get a glimpse of your heart….and if you trust us with your heart….that means we’re Family!
