"Home" is the place you go when you are ready...

My daughter Madison is moving back home.

Soon.

We have missed her presence, her laughter and her tidiness :)

Madison is everything I prayed for in a daughter over 20 years ago...and, so much more.

But, she didn't believe me when I told her this.  And, I didn't always tell her in ways she could "hear".

Frankly, at times we "missed" eachother...

She moved out to "figure out her life", to "find herself", to seek peace and I admire that in her. 

She found her wings a little earlier than her Dad and I had planned, but I have learned through my daughter to claim those prayers I prayed for her in her youth...I do so now.

I think she would allow me to tell you that some paths she has chosen are the cause of some pain for her and our family.  As well, I can say the same..

And, I think she would allow me to tell you that she is not fully "there" yet....nor am I.

But, what I think she would want those who love her is to see her effort, her seeking and her desire to be on the path which God set for her 20 years ago...and, I think she will.

Some of us mature early and for some, it takes a little longer. 

Some skate by on life with very little pain...in fact, a minister friend of mine once said from the podium....and, I will never forget this..

"I have had a pretty easy, happy go lucky life with very little pain or challenge to hurt me.  I keep things simple and seem to live without the problems life can present"....

Not me.  I can remember listening to him say that and thinking, "well, that explains why I cannot relate to you"...for his words cannot be said about my life...nor my daughters.

When I think of those who I feel a kinship for, it is those who have had challenge in their life, who have struggled, who has suffered and who have persevered.  Even today, my closest friends are those who have lost children, divorced, battled cancer, left home to find themselves, battled mental illness, etc.  They have the ability to touch my soul.....and, I am grateful for each of them.  Through their pain, I have learned compassion...

I am glad Madison is coming home.  I think she has grown and matured by living on her own in ways she would not have had she not done so.

I am proud that my daughter lives in truth with herself....and with others.

I am grateful she understands that you are ultimately responsible for yourself and your actions.

She "gets it"...and, while she would be the first to admit that she still has a long journey ahead of her...

For today, we are grateful that her jouney is leading her back home....

My challenge to you:  Do you walk beside those who are finding their way or do you keep your distance b/c you do not know what to say?  Do you reach out to someone who is taking a path of which you do not approve or or do you hold back in judgement?   

I think Madison would tell you that those who love her unconditionally, reach out to her in faith, who do not judge but who do pray for her are the ones who have helped her most in life.  Unconditional love is Godly love....and, isn't that what "home" is all about?

Blessings,
Lesa