All of that describes what?

Maybe a lot of hidden tension and stress. Maybe high expectations and long nights. Maybe the chase of perfection and the award of success.

All at what cost?

As I watched the NFL First Round Draft, I could only imagine how intense life was for these incredibly talented athletes. Learning their trade and staying in top shape to reach their goals.

But what was their home life like? Was it all sunshine and roses? Or maybe filled with more weeds than bright flowers?

Home is what unites us.

So why are we so bent on having everything perfect? We set the bar so high that even the greatest basketball dunker would have a hard time completing the task.

Home is not meant to build walls that separate and divide us. And during these crazy times, maybe you find yourself expending more energy trying to do everything perfect for everybody.

What if you were to give yourself a break? What if you were to give yourself permission to do less and not more?

Pushing too hard and setting expectations that are unrealistic can unravel the threads that hold a family together.

Dream, yes! But stay grounded, too.

The K.I.S.S. ~ Take the pressure off!

Home should be a place that welcomes your children and spouse without judgment or harsh criticism.

Everyone needs to grow. But growth doesn’t come by hurtful words, condescending phrases, and demands that are beyond attainable.

If you want to strengthen the threads of the family, you must look at the threads you are using.

1. Hope threads – This is the attitude that nothing is impossible. It’s the threads of encouragement and empowerment. It’s the threads that listen when all seems lost. Hope threads.
2. Love threads – This is all about loving them where they’re at. No judgment but lots of patience. It’s the threads that hold them tight when the world seems to be against them. Love threads.
3. Grace threads – This is about giving permission to become their best selfie regardless of how many times they fall down and how many times it takes for them to stand up. It’s the threads that lean in when everyone and everything walks away. Grace threads.

So what does your family lifestyle look like now? Right in this moment.

At the recording of this episode, we are in the middle of the COVID-19 Pandemic. None of us, at least not me, ever thought we would be in a position such as this.

This is the hard thing to ask.

• Are you giving enough space to your family during this time? Or are you trying to coordinate every step they take? Are you that hovering parent that wants to appear to have it all together?
• Are you letting your children explore opportunities of growth without you hounding them? You may be in the middle of homeschooling, not by choice. Tensions are rising. Are you finding that balance?
• Are you a voice of inspiration? Or are you playing the downer card? You can complain about what you can’t do during these times. Or you can see how this situation gives hope in the midst of a crisis.

The seeds of greatness are rooted in your every day. And these seeds of greatness are woven into the fabric of your family through hope threads, love threads, and grace threads.

Take the pressure off! Enjoy the moments; the beautiful chaos, the loud screams, and patter of big and little footsteps.

For when all settles down, you will look back and know that you did well.

“Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!“