God works through everyday mundane experiences, but He especially shows up in life’s messiest moments. Author Cynthia Yanof believes God turns our mess into His message.
She says, “The truth is, all the seemingly small things end up being the big things because each of the mishaps, annoyances, and character-building moments are beautifully crafting the very DNA of your family.”
Over the years, Cynthia has seen God work through her family struggles to refine them into who they are today. Noticing God’s presence in the chaos of our lives requires us to change our mindset toward challenges. Even if our lives are chaotic, there is much blessing and joy to be found.
How do we find it?
Cynthia Yanof is joining me on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly to help your family navigate the chaos of life by building connections with God and each other.
She shares what she calls “Playground Rules” that help Cynthia’s family respond to the messiness of family life in healthy ways:
1. There’s plenty of room for everyone: Parenting isn’t an independent journey. We need community, and we shouldn’t exclude others even if their journeys or parenting styles are different.
2. Don’t sweat slide etiquette: There’s more than one way to enjoy playing on a slide. Likewise, there’s more than one way to accomplish things. We should celebrate our kids’ differences and unique gifts as much as possible.
3. It’s okay to play alone: Raising healthy, independent kids means giving them an opportunity to try difficult things by themselves.
4. Don’t throw wood chips: Like throwing playground wood chips at each other, we often judge other family members without compassion. Instead of contributing to gossip or unkind speculation, we should be welcoming.
It’s often when we feel inadequate and unqualified for the responsibility God gives us that He shows up and equips us with His grace and empowering Spirit.
Listen to my full conversation with Cynthia Yanof on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, or on our free phone app.
If your marriage is struggling and you would like to speak with a counselor, call Focus on the Family for a free consultation. Leave your name and number, and they’ll get back with you as soon as possible. The number during business hours is 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).
Cynthia Yanof’s book Life is Messy, God is Good: Sanity for the Chaos of Everyday Life is available for a gift of any amount. And when you help Focus on the Family today with a gift, your donation will be DOUBLED for twice the impact in helping others through this ministry. Our thanks to generous donors who’ve made that possible. For more information, click here or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).
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