One thing I am learning as a parent is that it is so hard to know when to remain quiet and allow my children to make their own choices and mistakes.  It is a concept that can make us want to pull our hair out and scream many days.  As parents we see the potential in our own children.  We have witnessed their shining moments and know what they are capable of.  Our youngest got a mom heart to heart last night about not missing opportunities.  Our oldest has fallen victim to similar conversations as well.  Gotta keep it even and spread the momma love and lectures!!!  Sometimes we get one shot at something and we have to give 110% or the opportunity will pass right on by.  The further explanation that there will always be someone else with more heart that will swoop in and seize the opportunities if we don’t hopefully resonated more deeply than it appeared.  Talent and/or skill is only half of what it takes.  Heart is what really makes the different.  Only time will tell if my direct questions requiring her to do a little self evaluation will make any difference.  This conversation was spurred by the sport of soccer.  Does she need soccer to live? Not at all.  Is the sport something she can learn a lot of life lessons from?  Most definitely.  There have been times that she has shown so much heart that parents and coaches of other teams have taken note of her.  Lately it seems she has no heart and has not proven even worthy of being off of the bench.  Competition gets tougher and tougher.  Coaches and team mate accountability gets tougher and tougher.

Of course parenting so often reminds me of how God thinks of each of us and reminds me of scripture.  How many opportunities do I miss to fulfill the purpose He has for my life? How many times do I miss opportunities to share Jesus with others?  How many times do I not give 110% let alone even close to 100% when it comes to my faith?  How often does God use someone with more heart who is listening to Him to fulfill His plans?  How often do I miss the blessing that comes when in pure fellowship with God?  I can only imagine how God feels knowing our full potential yet allowing us freewill to make our choices and mistakes.

Psalm 138:8 “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever—-do not abandon the works of your hands.”

Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will. “

Matthew 5:13-16 “You are the salt of the earth.  But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?  It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.  You are the light of the world.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Full potential…God’s love radiating from our own life…our mind and souls/heart focused on God…to show the world the flavor and light that life with Jesus brings!!!   Lord please help me to give 110% in all that you would have me to do no matter how tough it gets.