Make Room for Miko

The other night before our devotional time, Jeff instructed Laney to "make room for Miko" on the couch. He glanced up at me and said, "Hey--that should be the title of our sitcom family life. Make room for Miko!" Laney squealed, "Yeah! It'll be about how the Miko Mom tries to fit into the family!"
Therein lies the rub of life in the blender. My role as step-mom is to accommodate the needs of the people who pre-dated my marriage. It can be great. It can also be a headache.
I knew the logistics of the life I signed up for when Jeff & I exchanged vows. But I was not prepared for the emotional extremities of the situation--how I could fall into an emotional pit one day and feel like I've fallen in love with my step-kids and husband the next.
There's not a one-size-fits-all solution for dealing with a blended family. Each unit is as unique as its members. And I don't know how on earth anyone gets through it without putting Christ at the center!
The bottom line is this: I'm learning to let go of my idealistic fantasies of what life could or should be like. I'm trying to embrace where I'm at, along with embracing Jeff and the kids. I've learned to give without thinking of what I'm getting in return. The challenges are real and I've got to give myself grace and space in the transition.
I try to fill myself with the Lord so that I'm not resentful of the push and pull of demands on my time and heart. I also try to maximize my enjoyment of these great kids in my life and relish the love of my husband who reminds me every day in his special way how much he adores me. I've never felt so nurtured and loved in my life.
For a while I privately questioned whether I made the right choice. I really believe the Enemy can do a number on our minds. Sometimes he tangles my thoughts with doubt. But I've just got to replace that with the truth that the Lord can redeem and restore any situation, it's God's will for our marriage to withstand the test of time, and I love my husband deeply and I know he loves me.