It is loving through the eyes of grace. Without judgment or expectations. Seeing yourself as a work-in-progress who has been redeemed by Jesus and is in right standing with God, and not beating up yourself or others because of weaknesses. It is the alternative to legalism and dogma.
About my journey:
When I first became exposed to the ideas of natural childbirth, extended breastfeeding, and attachment/gentle parenting, it became another dogmatic principle to stand on. I had not yet been weathered by experience and trials, and I saw everything as black and white. Good and bad. After completing my childbirth educator training, I became very busy with the business of raising and birthing children. Over the years, I realized I did not possess all of the answers, and raising children could not be distilled down to a rule book or checklist. I did discover that God was dependable for renewing my strength, leading me to a solution when I needed it. I became more aware of my own shortcomings, and children have a way of shining light on areas of hypocrisy. As I grow older, I see how much more effective gentleness and mercy are in my relationships with my children and husband. This is grace; loving like I have been loved.
I am nothing without Him. My desire is to make His goodness known to you; that He is faithful and will lead you to His unique plan for you. It won't look like anyone else, and that is what is beautiful. I incorporate the best ideas from Raymond Moore and waldorf philosophy in our home, and we are interest-led learners/unschoolers. I believe in freedom for all. I'm not into politics anymore, because noone running for office truly believes in that.
I have minor chronic illnesses: recurrent kidney stones since I was a teenager, and gluten sensitive arthritis. I eat gluten-free with the occasional cheat, and am transitioning my daughter to a gluten-free diet for her health issues. Some weeks I feel like doing nothing but sit on the sofa with a book or my tablet. Other weeks, my home is clean and beautiful, I've read a million books to the kids, and feel on top of the world. I have strong faith and contentment, but am a classic INFP/phlegmatic/melancholic, and my ideals sometimes feel burdensome. I write to sort things out, to leave a record for my kids, and practice getting my ideas into writing. If you've stopped by here, I pray you leave having found something that is encouraging or points to Jesus.
