life beyond the well…

Category Archives: Parenting


by Leave a comment

Parenting: The Ultimate Humility Builder

I’m closing in on 9 years as a parent and 3 years as a parent of two, and if there’s one thing I know for sure it’s that parenting is the ultimate humility builder.

I have done many things in my life, and arguably, have done them reasonably well. I think that my colleagues would agree that I’m a competent professional and that those who know me through my civic involvement would say that I have a measure of competence and ability. And…very little of that matters in parenting.

Right now, we’re in the middle of what I like to call “Potty Training Purgatory” with our youngest. It feels like 3 steps forward and 2 steps back. He does very well using the bathroom at school and is completely resistant to using the bathroom at home. We are regularly washing clothes and underwear, and trying to stay encouraged by the little wins – but it is EXHAUSTING. I know that at some point, this will be in the rearview mirror and we’ll look back on this and laugh, but right now it feels very consuming and frustrating.

What I am continuously realizing is that in almost any area in which I think I have a semblance of aptitude and achievement, it absolutely does not matter when it comes to parenting. Sure, there are some transferrable skills and knowledge, and also – there are moments EVERY DAY when I find myself wondering, “Who decided that I was capable of being a parent?! I have no idea what I’m doing!”

I am grateful for my community of other parents – some with children older than mine, some with children younger than mine – who remind me to give myself grace, and also share that at every part of the journey, there is something new to learn and figure out. It is comforting to know that while parenting is hard, we are each just trying to figure it out together.

Until next time- be encouraged! Peace and blessings!


by Leave a comment

Reflecting on Growth: Embracing 2025 with Purpose

And just like that, we’re at the beginning of a new year.

When I think about my kids, I frequently think, “The days are long, but the years are short.” At each point, I marvel at how fast they are growing, meeting and exceeding milestones, and becoming the little people God has created them to be – AND also dragging to bedtime for a semblance of quiet before we rally up for another day. So while that is true for them, it’s true in general. The day-to-day grind feels incredibly long and mundane, and at the same time, we find ourselves trying to figure out how we’re at (insert point here) so fast.

I am thankful for 2024 – for the opportunities, the growth, the new relationships, the challenges, and everything in between. Last year at church, our theme was CONNECT – exploring how we connect with God, our family, our community, and ourselves. It was a challenge, especially as the end of 2023 felt incredibly hard, but as I reflect – I can see the ways that I have grown in my faith, built new relationships, been more intentional with my family, and in how I serve the community. I plan to take all of this forward into this new year, as I strive to honor God and all He has placed in me.

As I get older, I feel that I have more clarity on my why (my purpose) and all the things connected to that (what I like and dislike, my skills and talents, my interests). But not only that – I feel pressed to execute on that – and not in a “meet milestones for work” kind of way, but in a “fully utilize all that I am to the glory of God” kind of way. And so, that is what this next half of my life will be about – whether through marriage, parenting, leading, or serving – connecting the essence of who God has created me to be and pouring that out for His glory. This quote sums it up nicely:

“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me’.” – Erma Bombeck

Here’s to making it count – for His glory!

Until next time- be encouraged! Peace and blessings!