The Still Small Voice

When I was in my late teens, my visions of the future were extravagant but worldly. I imagined that fame and fortune would lead to fulfillment. Perfection also played a role: I pictured a neatly ordered future that would unfurl with the synchrony of well-aligned dominoes falling one after another.

Beauty, romance, wealth, good health, happiness—those were the ingredients I thought would make a meaningful life.

I was wrong in my assumption that things should and would occur in an ideal way.

I made no room for hardship or heartbreak. I didn’t account for the development of character, or the refining work of pain. I failed to imagine a life that was real, messy, and ultimately deeper than my own expectations.

My priorities look vastly different than they did 20 years ago.

I am confident that the focus of my mission, for now at least, is to be a mother: first and foremost, to be the most engaged, present, encouraging, and loving mother to my own son that I am capable of being.

God has blessed me with the task of raising up a human being: what is more important?

What is more important than to nurture, guide, and teach a child how to navigate this world? How to demonstrate strength of character and moral fortitude? How to practice resilience? How to love?

The responsibility of it is incomprehensible.

As a mother, I have been truly awe-struck in observing the development of kids, and the emergence of abilities and temperament as they grow. The innocence and brilliance of children astounds me all the time.

I never imagined that my God-given mission might appear ordinary by the world’s standards and yet be eternally significant.

Whatever your calling may be, this is true: in God’s eyes, there is no mission too small to be of consequence.