Siblings

I am on a roll here with fresh ideas (how long has it actually been since I wrote ANYTHING that was not work-related). But I have to step away from the theme in my heart to put something out there.

Remember David, the King after God's heart? Yup, think back to the scrawny kid looking after sheep who was anointed in front of his older brothers. The one who was sent to a battle to take food and drink to his brothers. The one who got shouted at in front of everyone by Eliab, his brother, who basically told David he was a loser, only came to watch the battle and belonged back with the sheep.

I hear that quite a bit in my household with my kids. And a ton of other nasty unfriendly words that I am not going to repeat.

It hit me like a ton of bricks this morning. As family, we see the grim and grotty underside of the carpet. We find the torn threads, the mould, the dust and the holes. We see the becoming happening and it's ugly a lot of the time. Others see the top side of the carpet with the beautiful patterns and exquisite needlework.

God is so gracious with us. He calls us as He sees us: beautiful, beloved, warrior, princess, brave child, artist, creator, gift carrier, world changer, lover.

Dear God. Help me to treat those I love like the top of the carpet. Help me to walk with care in the lives of my children and nearest and dearest. Help me not to tramp through the underside which desperately needs cleaning.

Forgive my frustration. Let me voice what you see. The truth bringer. The light bearer. The warrior princess. The dreamer.

Then let it be so.