Warning: They Are Not Who They Appear to Be

I had coffee with one of my oldest friends last night. We had some great laughs, all considering we have known each other for 35 years. We chatted about what our kids are doing these days, our parents and their recent ailments, our wins and losses in life. It was really a great night. Something she said though stayed in my head all night and this morning. She said, “I can’t believe you, Ana, are a homeschool mom of eight with a pastor for a husband. I never would have pictured it. Goes to show you, you can never judge what kids are going to be when they’re young.”

Phew! She was so right! Amazing Grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me!!! When I look back at my younger years, I see a lost, totally confused, young girl with terribly low self-esteem and way too many boy crazy dreams. How merciful is He who can save someone so lost, someone so estranged to the things of God! If it weren’t for the prayers of my mom, my grandma and their friends in the church, I don’t know where this wretch would be right now. Seems we have such a tendency to look at a child and think we know exactly how they will turn out. In some cases, I’m sure we are correct, but in others, by the sheer grace and magnitude of a desperately loving God, we are so wrong! The statement reminded me to persevere to pray for my kids, their friends, and their future spouses, even more. After all, they really are not who they appear to be right now. Thank you Jesus!!!