Some days I would swear I’m turning into Mom. At Mom’s house the living room was filled with pictures of family. Dozens of frames covered walls and tables. Grandkids at various ages with the most recent school picture tucked into the outer part of the frame. The memories comforted her and filled her with gratitude.

I have become the modern day version of her. I have a digital frame that has hundreds of family memories on it from over the years. The wallpaper on my phone and computer rotate my favorite family memories. My fridge is loaded with extended family and friends who share holiday pictures. They comfort me and fill me with gratitude. I’m turning into Mom.

Then there are those moments when I say or do something that’s a little goofy. My children quickly respond with, “Okay, Grandma” implying I’m like Grandma. That’s the power of influence. That’s the power of someone continually in your life.

The same is true with Christ. The more time I spend learning His ways, reading scripture and in prayer the more He becomes a part of me. During stressful times scriptures pop into my mind and a calming presence reminds me to lead with grace. I hope I’m becoming more Christlike.

^28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11: 28-30 MSG).

Who do I want to become? Am I turning into Mom? I want to lean in closely to the One with the greatest influence in my life. I can only hope that one day someone would look at me see the grace and love of Christ.

How about you? Who are you becoming? Who has the greatest influence on you? Share your story here to breathe life and bring hope to others.