Living Our April Days

Because God has a sense of humor

My seventh grandchild, little Russell Henry Morin, made his appearance in the world on a Tuesday morning in March. All grandmotherly bias aside, he’s adorable, and he has been blessed with three older siblings aged 2, 7, and 10. They stayed with us for the week of Russell’s birth, and they were wonderful. We had lots of fun together.

And it was exhausting! The following week, I was scheduled to speak to a MomCo group in New Hampshire, and I laughed out loud when the irony dawned on me: Here I was tired and feeling every shortcoming of my intense grandmothering week while preparing a talk designed to inspire moms—women who live in the mothering trenches full time!

It was almost as if God (with his great sense of humor) was saying, “You’ve got a lot of words there, Michele. Let’s see if there’s any truth to them!” I’m used to God testing me on the very truth I’m getting ready to speak on. But this was over the top!

Throughout the week, I realized that I have softened with age. Praise comes more readily than criticism with this crew. However, I still tend to forget that childish irresponsibility is not the same as misbehavior and should, therefore, be treated differently. I still have to guard my sharp tongue when I’m tired, and as I shared my talk on grace-based parenting with the delightful ladies in Barrington, NH, this truth was sweet to all of us: Grace will be there on the days when you fail.

It’s true for you, too. No matter what you’re feeling bad about or what regrets you might be carrying, the same grace that worked the miracle of justification in your heart is available for the slow work of sanctification. We won’t always act on all the truth we know. We will fall short and disappoint ourselves. Even so, grace will be there, and we can trust God’s love and the painful purpose of his work in us.

April Book Briefs

Easter by Wesley Hill

I shared this one last month, too, but Easter is this coming weekend, and maybe you need some encouragement to celebrate resurrection—or a great gift idea for someone’s Easter basket!

The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry

So God Made a Grandma by Leslie Means

Happenings on the Hill

The crocuses and snowdrops have heard the news that spring is here, and daffodils won’t be far behind. We’re hoping that we’ll soon get outside for walks and yard work, and we’re looking forward to April break.

I’ll be meeting and sharing truth with the women of the Church at Spruce Creek in Kittery, Maine on May 10. Together, we’ll be doing a deep dive into the Beatitudes.

I would love to speak at your next women’s event. Click on the button to start the conversation.

And since you have read all the way to the end…
Meet Russell!

Thank you for reading faithfully and for clicking quietly on the little ❤️heart❤️ or the “restack” button because each one makes a difference. I’m glad you’re here. Thank you for being the kind of people who keep pressing into the mysteries of our faith—not merely for answers but for more of HIM!

Holding You in the Light,

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