What’s been keeping me from the blog besides a constant cycle of life is the persisting thought that any social media post provides just a single snapshot of what life is currently like and I don’t think that does justice to everything I’d like to share with others (even if remotely / not in-person). For this reason alone I’ll compose a post, hover my finger over the publish button, and then delete it, for fear of being misinterpreted. Even

I hate being misunderstood.

A human condition, I’m sure. But on a list of Top Pet Peeves, being misunderstood / mis-labeled really takes the cake.

The case happened a little while ago when a friend laughed at my suggestion to stay home and homeschool. “You make it sound so horrible,” she said. And I winced. My first thoughts were, “What on earth have I even shared?” We hadn’t talked about how homeschooling was going recently, had we? What caused that perception on her part? A quick reflection on what I shared with her and I realized that I rarely shared the good parts with her (or with anyone, save J) because I didn’t want her to think I was bragging. Again with the fear of being mis-labeled.

Yes, I have hard days, and rough weeks. But I have an amazing spouse and my kids are healthy and curious, and I have the opportunity to stay at home and watch them grow. I never wish others to think that my life is perfect, because I find that there is deeper connection in relating to others’ weaknesses. And what’s more, in sharing about weaknesses I have more opportunity to talk about Jesus, because He has always come through for me.

But I’m thankful to my friend because our conversation reminded me that my conversation can be balanced, especially if I accurately reflect my life. Only talking about good things all the time… well, I know well enough how that doesn’t foster connection with others. But only bringing up the bad things isn’t an accurate depiction of my life either. I’m reminded once again of this verse:

For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7

No more my staying silent out of a fear of misinterpretation. (And no more spending money maintaining a silent domain!) I’ve missed writing and I’ve missed exercising this “power” because I believe I can show evidence of God’s love through my writing. I just need the “sound mind” (other versions say “self-control” and “self-discipline”) to speak in a balanced manner and give others more chances and opportunities to engage.