Some years ago a campus minister I knew called me for help. He was driving from the next state to give a talk to Christian students near me, but he ran into car trouble. He got off the highway at a nearby town called Vado at Exit 155, and he needed me to pick him up there.
Well, I had a mental map in my head and I thought I knew where Vado was. But unfortunately my mental map was wrong. I drove 25 miles past Vado before I started reading the exit signs and realized my mistake. I had to go back the way I came, and the man was late for his talk.
Doing things right while getting it wrong
On this drive I did a lot of things right. I drove the speed limit. I followed safety rules. I even sang and praised God as I traveled. But the mental image I relied on was wrong, so I messed up.
We all have mental images in our heads about the way the world is and how to get where we want to go in life. If our mental images are wrong, we mess up.
I spent the first 40 years of my life working to do everything perfectly and get the approval of authority figures. I thought it was my responsibility to make life smooth for my family and everyone around me. Mentally I believed in God’s grace, but emotionally I thought I wasn’t worth anything unless I was producing good work and keeping the people around me happy.
Over and over I burnt out.
Finally I cried out to God about my overwhelmed, exhausting, burnt out life. And one day I sensed the Lord drop an idea into my thoughts: “Becky, I love you like you love the baby.”
That simple image cleared my confusion. And showed me grace.
Because, oh how I loved my babies!
I loved their soft little heads, their cuddly bodies, their sudden smiles, their eagerness to figure out how to get places and explore new things….
I didn’t love the baby because he scrubbed my kitchen floor and cleaned my cupboards. He didn’t help with any of my work. He made more work. He slept. He cried. He ate. He pooped. And I loved him, I delighted in him.
At last I understood.
The way I see the baby is the way God sees me. I don’t have to work to earn his love. He just loves me. He delights in me.
With those few words, God transformed my thinking. His word picture did two things. First, it exposed the lie that I was only worthwhile if I did things other people noticed and approved. And second, it revealed the truth about the way God sees me, and the worth He gives me. And since He alone is God, His opinion is the only one that matters.
What St. Paul said
“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” (Romans 12:2).
Today’s prayer
Oh Lord, I am frustrated. I keep running into walls, being defeated by the same problems over and over. Please correct my mental map. Expose the lies and reveal the truth that I need today. Amen.
©2019 by Becky Cerling Powers
Reprint with attribution only (www.beckypowers.com)
You can find more family stories from Becky Cerling Powers in Laura’s Children: the hidden story of a Chinese orphanage and My Roots Go Back to Loving and other stories from “Year of the Family” in the Bookstore
Plan Ahead for the Holidays
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Raising fluent readers
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Caring for Babies, Surrendering Sleep
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Kids can make healthy no-cook summer recipes: from the Parent Powerline
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Missing the Blessing: a story of hope from the Story Powerline
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Screen Free Waiting Games: insights from the Parent Powerline
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Parents Without English Skills Helping Their Kids in School : Parent Powerline Insights
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An Ode to Mother Goose: insights from the Parent Powerline
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Saving and Spending for Kids : insights from the Parent Powerline
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Money Lessons by Age: Teaching Kids Good Financial Habits
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1/19/2024
Countdown to Christmas: insights from the Parent Powerline
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12/7/2023
How to Make Bone Broth Soup: a Thanksgiving Tip from the Parent Powerline
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11/22/2023
A Toad and a Teachable Moment: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/26/2023
When Life Goes Up in Smoke: insights from the Bible Powerline
Glen A. Hinshaw
9/21/2023
How to Win Kids' Hearts by Telling Stories: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/3/2023
Lighten Up: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/16/2023
Getting Ready for Teens When They're Toddlers: Insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/30/2023
Wet and Wild Water Fun: ideas from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/15/2023
Teaching Kids to Cook: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/24/2023
Dog in Pain: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
6/10/2023
King Ben the Dog and Queen Vicky the Cat: reflections from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/3/2023
Naming Grace: reflections from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/21/2023
Cancan: Mother's (& Father's) Day reflections from the Story Powerline
Jennifer Cummings and Becky Cerling Powers
5/15/2023
Teaching a 10-Year-Old to Drive (and Related Lessons): from the Bible Powerline
Sue Cameron
4/24/2023
Losing Poetry: insights from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/7/2023
Figuring Out Fasting: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
3/26/2023
Anxiety List Prayer: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
1/8/2023
Dad's Problem Solution Method
Becky Cerling Powers with Bob Cerling
1/1/2023
Christmas Gift Exchange
Sue Cameron
12/13/2022
Insights & Reflections for Parents in December: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/1/2022
Best Toys This Season are Simple: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
11/25/2022
Gimme a Little Kiss: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
11/5/2022
Insights & Reflections for Parents in November: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
11/1/2022
Surviving the Japanese Occupation: insights from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/25/2022
Are Parents Sculptors or Gardeners? Insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/15/2022
Insights & Reflections for Parents in October: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/2/2022
Insights & Reflections for Parents in September: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/1/2022
What the Animals Taught Adam: from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/30/2022
Figuring Out a Child's Learning Style: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/20/2022
Like the Wind: reflections on spiritual warfare
Laura Jane Eberhardt Cerling with Becky Cerling Powers
8/12/2022
Insights & Reflections for Parents in August: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/1/2022
Enlighten the Eyes of my Heart: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
7/23/2022
Making Bible Milk: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
7/17/2022
Insights and Reflections for Parents in July: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/2/2022
When Healing Hurts: reflections on spiritual warfare in pain
Becky Cerling Powers
6/15/2022
Insights and Reflections for Parents in June: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/1/2022
Truce for Sibling Wars: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
5/19/2022
Aunt Laura's Advice: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
5/8/2022
Insights and Reflections for Parents in May: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/1/2022
Safe Amid Snakes and Semi-Trucks: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
4/26/2022
Dead Squirrel Forgiveness: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
4/17/2022
Forgiving Grandmother Eberhardt: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
4/12/2022
Rosebud's Political Interrogation: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
4/5/2022
New Bride Confusion: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
4/4/2022
Toddlers Helping: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/21/2022
Lament - Complaining as Worship: reflections on spiritual warfare in grief & anger
Becky Cerling Powers
3/16/2022
A Dream That Changed Me: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
3/9/2022
Insights and Reflections for Parents in March: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/1/2022
Preventing Parent Burnout: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/7/2022
Playing Games with Kids: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/6/2022
Insights and Reflections for Parents in February: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/1/2022
Family Conflict, Family Struggles: reflections on spiritual warfare, beginning
Becky Cerling Powers
1/22/2022
Insights & Reflections for Parents in January: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
1/1/2022
Neighborhood Yeast: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/27/2021
Children of the Heavenly Father: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/21/2021
Christmas Contentment: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/11/2021
Insights & Reflections for Parents in December: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/1/2021
Pied Piper Dad: memorial and parenting reflections from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
11/22/2021
Golden Rule Respect: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
11/12/2021
Insights & Reflections for Parents in November: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
11/4/2021
Enjoying Money Without Spending it: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/14/2021
Insights & Reflections for Parents in October: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/1/2021
Yes Means Yes, No Means No: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/26/2021
The Tire 'Em Out Principle for Long Trips and Schoolwork: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/18/2021
Family Treasure Hunts: parenting insights from the parent powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/12/2021
Insights & Reflections for Parents in September: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/1/2021
The Handy Dandy Adaptable Review Game, Cooperation Concentration: Parent Powerline insights
Becky Cerling Powers
8/2/2021
Insights & Reflections for Parents in August: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/30/2021
Camping with Kids: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/28/2021
Hymn for a Baby: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
7/22/2021
Insights & Reflections for Parents in July: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/1/2021
In Sickness or in Health: a faith based Father's Day Story from the Story Powerline
David Melin as told to Becky Cerling Powers
6/16/2021
Why Smart Kids Can't All Read by Age 6: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/10/2021
Being with Dad: a faith-based story from the Story Powerline
Glen A Hinshaw
6/9/2021
Insights & Reflections for Parents in June: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/31/2021
Home Style Secrets of Kids' Learning Success: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/24/2021
The Balances of Parenting: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/18/2021
Letting Daughters Grow: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/8/2021
Insights & Reflections for Parents in May: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/1/2021
Reading Lots of Easy Books Produces Fluent Readers: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/22/2021
Reflections for Parents in April, Week Two: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/12/2021
Helping Kids with Math: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/5/2021
Reflections for Parents in April, Week One: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/1/2021
Trouble -- the doorway to God's Kingdom: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/25/2021
Honey Tree: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/23/2021
Watching for the Positives: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/21/2021
Give Your Children Sticky Minds: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/15/2021
The Law of Kindness: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
3/12/2021
Eyes in the Lookout: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Glen A Hinshaw
3/10/2021
Focusing on the good stuff: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Joe Herman
3/5/2021
The Grumble Family: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Anonymous
3/3/2021
Being a Better Parent...One Week at a Time...in March
Becky Cerling Powers
2/28/2021
Henry O. Flipper: a black history month story from the Story Powerline
Randy Limbird
2/24/2021
Preparing to Raise Teens: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/18/2021
Neighbor Love: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/17/2021
No Matter What, I Love You Every Day: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers and Robert G Cerling
2/14/2021
Mental Maps: a faith based story on love from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/10/2021
Putting Myself in the Love Chapter: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Erik Powers
2/8/2021
Reading to Babies: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/5/2021
Being a Better Parent....One Week at a Time...in February 2021
Becky Cerling Powers
2/1/2021
Resolving the Past: a faith-based story from the Story Powerline
Sharon Withers as told to Becky Cerling Powers
1/22/2021
God Sets the Lonely in Families: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Sharon Withers as told to Becky Cerling Powers
1/21/2021
Keep Trying: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
1/13/2021
Hooray for Mother Goose! Parenting Insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
1/5/2021
Being a Better Parent....One Week at a Time...in January 2021
Becky Cerling Powers
1/2/2021
Working With -- Not Against -- Life Seasons: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/28/2020
Why Play With the Kids? parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/21/2020
Breaking Barriers with Kindness: a faith based Christmas story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
12/10/2020
Shoe Shine Boy: a faith based Christmas story from the Story Powerline
Ruben Fierro as told to Maria Luisa Navarro
12/4/2020
Slow Down for Christmas: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/1/2020
Ruth & Boaz, Part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Maria Luisa Navarro
11/12/2020
Ruth & Boaz, Part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Maria Luisa Navarro
11/9/2020
Enemies No More, Part 2: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/30/2020
Enemies No More, Part 1: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/28/2020
Double Minded Doggie: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/22/2020
The Father's Blessing: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/13/2020
Dad's Green Packard: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
10/10/2020
Hill of Woman's Fidelity: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
10/1/2020
In Praise of Naps: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/28/2020
Music Enriches the Family: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/10/2020
Pre-School at Home During Covid-19: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/21/2020
Parenting in the Mess: Tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/16/2020
Grandpa Thure Cerling, Part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/4/2020
Grandpa Thure Cerling, Part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/4/2020
Temptation: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Glen A. Hinshaw
7/23/2020
TALK: A Simple Way to Help Kids with School: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/21/2020
Honest Abe Lincoln: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Randy Limbird
7/14/2020
The Most Conscientious Hunter I Ever Met: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Glen A. Hinshaw
6/24/2020
Washing Feet: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers and Lee Merrill Byrd
6/17/2020
No Parking: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/10/2020
Ruby Bridges, part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/3/2020
Ruby Bridges, part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/2/2020
Raising Fluent Readers: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/29/2020
Unwanted Baby: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Eileen as told to Becky Cerling Powers
5/26/2020
Family Funnies: Tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/22/2020
Joey's Letters: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Lee Merrill Byrd
5/21/2020
Alzheimer Valley: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
5/13/2020
Amaris Luz, Light from Darkness: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Lee Merrill Byrd
4/28/2020
Let Kids Cure Their Own Boredom: Tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/15/2020
Naaman, Rich in Money and Presumption: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs and Becky Cerling Powers
4/14/2020
David, Bathsheba & Psalm 51: a faith based story story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
4/9/2020
The Hundred Chart: math lesson tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/8/2020
The Beer Would Call Me: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Beatriz Balcort as told to Becky Cerling Powers
4/7/2020
Turned Around: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Brian Bolton with Becky Cerling Powers
4/2/2020
Elijah & the Captain of 50 Men: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
3/31/2020
Fear in Residence: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
3/24/2020
Household Management During COVID-19 Time: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/23/2020
Dreaming of Anita Jo: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
3/12/2020
No Complaint Dinners: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
3/10/2020
DIY Plumbing: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Jennifer Cummings
3/5/2020
A Brother's Love: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
3/3/2020
My Two Dads, part three: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Janimarie Rowe as told to Becky Cerling Powers
2/27/2020
My Two Dads, part two: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Janimarie Rowe as told to Becky Cerling Powers
2/26/2020
My Two Dads, part one: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Janimarie Rowe as told to Becky Cerling Powers
2/25/2020
Grandma's Apron: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Jennifer Cummings
2/20/2020
Colors of the Beetle: a retold faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/13/2020
Cantaloupe Crop Disaster: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Glen Hinshaw
2/5/2020
Afraid to Sleep at Night (Psalm 91): a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
1/22/2020
How the Camel Got His Hump: a retold faith based story
Becky Cerling Powers
1/13/2020
Growing Up With Polio: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
1/9/2020
All Things Bright and Beautiful: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers, poem by Cecil Frances Alexander
1/7/2020
One Dollar for a Donut: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
1/1/2020
Star of Wonder
Paula Kortkamp Combs
12/26/2019
The Shepherds
Paula Kortkamp Combs
12/24/2019
Mary and the Angel
Paula Kortkamp Combs
12/18/2019
Zechariah
Paula Kortkamp Combs
12/17/2019
Christmas Cookies: a a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
12/10/2019
First Thanksgiving, Part 2: Beginning in Weakness (a faith based story)
Rami Scully
11/28/2019
First Thanksgiving, Part 3: Gifts & Gratitude (a faith based story from the Story Powerline)
Rami Scully
11/28/2019
First Thanksgiving, Part 1: Enduring the Sea Voyage (a faith based story)
Rami Scully
11/27/2019
Rescuing my Family in Wartime, Part 3: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Néaouguen Nodjimbadem as told to Becky Cerling Powers
11/22/2019
Rescuing my Family in Wartime, Part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Néaouguen Nodjimbadem
11/19/2019
Rescuing my Family in Wartime, Part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Nodji (Néaouguen Nodjimbadem) as told to Becky Cerling Powers
11/12/2019
Grandma Time: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Jennifer Cummings
11/1/2019
The Love & Diaper (Nappy) Connection
Becky Cerling Powers
10/25/2019
Avon Perfume Surprise: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/22/2019
Saving Butterscotch: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Karen M. Pickett Ward
10/16/2019
The Patient in Room 116: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
10/8/2019
Belshazzar: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Paula Kortkamp Combs
10/2/2019
My Mysterious Relative & the Missing Paycheck: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/26/2019
Keeping in Touch with Cousins: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
9/24/2019
How the Ostrich Got His Long Neck: a faith based retold story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
9/9/2019