Lean in

One of the things I’ve learned from our time as foster parents is the importance of knowing when to lean in.

When I’m having a difficult time with one of our littles and find it more comfortable to distract myself from the relationship it’s then that I need to instead lean in.

A picture book together, a walk down the trail, a simple conversation - a question that shows I’m here, I care, even when I feel distant within my own heart.

This has helped time and time again to not only draw them in but also readjust my own heart.

This was one of my greatest reasons for homeschooling.

With the boys just moved in and later a new baby to tend to, it was easy for me to escape from the work of attachment and stay where it was safe.

I needed to lean in in a real and great way. I needed to no longer have the option of pushing myself away where it was safe. And yes, within a few weeks we were in a better place than ever before and I was feeling so much hope.

This concept of leaning in has become a sort theme for me.

When marriage is hard and opionions are differing I simply need to lean in.

When my home seems to be in shambles and complete disaray I need to tune out distraction and then lean in.

When our family is dealing with a good bit of the grumps I know as the keeper of my home, it’s time to lean in - with worship music, a family walk, a conversation, a laugh.

Oh, how easy it is to avoid instead of focusing in at the matter before us. But this - this is how we build our houses.