“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” — Hebrews 10:24
When I think about influence, inspiration, and the people God uses to shape our hearts, my mind goes straight to the ones closest to me—my family. Each of them has played a different role in helping me grow, stay grounded, and keep pushing forward, especially as I step into this new season of empty nesting, rediscovering my faith, and returning to college.
My Husband: A Quiet Example of Faithfulness
One of my biggest role models has always been my husband. Not because he looks for attention or wants recognition—if anything, he prefers the opposite. He inspires me because of the way he lives his life.
He works hard every single day to provide for Emma and me. He wakes up, shows up, and pours into our family with a steady commitment that often goes unnoticed by the world but is deeply felt here at home. His consistency reminds me that faithfulness isn't always loud. Sometimes it's simply doing the right thing, over and over again, with love.
Watching him has taught me to be more patient, more responsible, and more intentional with how I treat others. His example challenges me to keep my priorities aligned with what truly matters.
Three Graduates, Three Stories, One Thread of Determination
I can’t talk about role models without mentioning our older three kids. They each made choices and sacrifices that shaped the adults they’ve become, and seeing their journeys inspires me more than they even know.
-
James, who earned two degrees while serving in the Army—now approaching 16 years of service—has shown us the power of discipline and perseverance. Balancing military life and education is no small task, yet he proved it’s possible when you're committed to a goal.
-
Kaitlind and Charlie, who both earned their Civil Engineering degrees, stepped confidently into careers that challenge them daily. Their determination showed me that even when a path is demanding, sticking with it pays off.
As their mom, watching each of them cross the finish line in their own way gave me the courage to start my own race again. They reminded me that God does not put an expiration date on dreams—and that includes my return to college.
Emma: The Youngest, Yet One of My Greatest Teachers
And then there’s Emma, our youngest, now at GCU. She may be the baby of the family, but she has taught me some of the biggest lessons.
Emma balances Division I college soccer, academics, faith, and friendships all at once. She gives her best in everything she does—but what inspires me most is her heart. She shows up with resilience, humility, and a willingness to grow.
Seeing her chase her dreams reminds me that dedication has no age limit. She pushes me to give myself the same grace, determination, and belief that I encourage in her.
A Family That Points Me Back to God
When I look at the people God has placed in my life, I see more than achievements. I see evidence of His hand—guiding, strengthening, shaping, and refining each one of us.
Their stories push me to keep becoming better. Their examples remind me that:
💛 hard work matters
💛 faith matters
💛 and the way we love each other matters even more
In this empty nest season, I’m learning something new: God often uses the people closest to us to guide our steps. My family has been that for me—nudging me toward growth, holding me steady when doubt creeps in, and showing me that it's never too late to chase the purpose God has woven into my heart.
Running the Race Together
As I continue my journey at GCU—balancing school, business, faith, and life—I carry their examples with me. They remind me that with faith, effort, and a positive attitude, we can achieve meaningful things in every season of life.
“Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” — Hebrews 12:1
🩷 Kerri’s Closing Thoughts
Thank you for reading my heart today.
If you’re in a season of rediscovering purpose, rebuilding faith, or starting something new—just know you’re not running alone. God will place the right people around you to encourage your journey, just like He has for mine.
— Kerri
Empty Nest, God Showed Up
#EmptyNestGodShowedUp, #FaithJourney, #FamilyInspiration, #ChristianBlog, #WomenOfFaith, #GCUJourney, #EmptyNesterLife, #GodsTiming, #PurposeInEverySeason, #MomLifeReflections, #ChristianMomBlog, #WalkingByFaith
No comments:
Post a Comment