Leave the Light on For Me

One of the most comforting sights after a long week, day, even hour, is the front light on at my house. When that front light is on, I know that I have people watching out for me. The funny thing is, those people (COUGH COUGH, parents!) probably won't read this blog. Mom's taken a Facebook hiatus and I don't think Dad is a hardcore stalker. But this blog is certainly about them.
They've been there for me one hundred percent- unwavering love and dedication to being godly parents. Not many parents accomplish that, I don't think. I am thankful they let experience teach me a few lessons, while I am also thankful they cut experience off at the pass and taught me lessons before experience could get its claws into me!
My Dad especially deserves a million and one thank-you's. He is the only person in my life that has literally been there from my first second on this earth. That thought brings me to tears sometimes- to just think about how I am so blessed to have a Dad that reflects Christ-like character. My Dad has his flaws just like everyone else and he has always let me know that- he has never tried to falsely present a life of perfection. One of my favorite quotes is one from him: "We're all jacked up." He just seems to say that at the most perfect times- just when I need to hear it. He is faithful, he is loyal, he is encouraging, he is real. And I love him. And I am forever thankful to God that He made him MY Dad. (Not to mention the fact that he's hilarious! Where do you think I get it from?!)
And my Mom. MY Mom. She knows. . . God made her my Mom for a reason- and every day I think He shows us more and more reasons why. He just knew we would need each other. She stepped in to my little world at the young age of seven. One of the most poignant and touchable memories in my mind- the day I saw her walk into my house for the first time- huge smile on her face...(That, I get from her!). From that day on, she has been dedicated, loving, patient, kind, hardcore-tell-you-like-it-is just when I needed it (Yes, I get THAT from her,too!). She's been everything I needed in a Mom and then some. She is one of my closest friends; One of the few people I can go to and just spill out what's on my mind and heart without any fear of sounding crazy or horrible. I love her so much! And I am incredibly thankful for her.
God's blessed me with a childhood that let me see both sides of everything. I've been in really terrible home situations, while I have also been blessed to have a healthy one. God really worked in my heart, even at such a young age, to teach me what was good and what was not, what was worthy and what was not, what was love and what was not. In those times, He gave me a desire to desire Him. He let my little heart see what was good and run TOWARDS it instead of away like many people do. For that, I am incredibly thankful to Him. It seems that He so perfectly planned everything- and not just the good stuff, either. He didn't just plan things perfectly around the bad stuff- He worked out everything USING the bad! I wouldn't be who I am today, or have the faith I have today if it weren't for the "bad" stuff in life! Today I can stop and take just a single moment to reflect on these things and I realize that hindsight is a beautiful thing. It reveals God's Sovereign hand in our lives. It helps us assess what we've learned. It makes us thankful for Him and the people He uses in our lives.
I find myself thanking God more and more for my parents' influence in my life as I get older. And as I have those discouraging days that throw me from one thing to the next, I always know there is a front light on. How comforting in such a dark world!

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

John 1:5 (ESV)