life beyond the well…

Tag Archives: Baby


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

The Father’s Voice

In my immediate postpartum period, Ethan and I didn’t leave the house much. I was, as most mothers of newborns are, insanely sleep-deprived and just trying to figure out the basics of survival in our new normal.

Preacherman was able to enjoy some time at home with us, but soon he returned to work. He ended up missing just one Sunday from church (the Sunday Ethan was born), and for the other Sundays where Ethan and I were home, we were able to hear the message via Periscope or some other streaming technology.

Though Ethan and I were trying to master our routines, it seemed that without fail on Sunday mornings, something would happen that would have him upset. When I say “upset”, I mean, borderline inconsolable.  I would try everything–singing, rocking, diaper changing, nursing…and while each thing might provide a short moment’s relief, he would eventually be upset again.

Until he heard his father’s voice.

As soon as Ethan heard Preacherman’s voice, starting with the scripture, and going into the message, he would calm down; and eventually go into rest, usually falling asleep in my arms.

I’m a lot like Ethan.

There are things in this life that make me upset- borderline inconsolable, even. Unlike Ethan, I have coping mechanisms that are beyond screaming and crying uncontrollably. But like Ethan, I am immediately soothed to a place of rest and peace when I hear the voice of my heavenly father.

Truthfully, it can be hard at times to hear the father’s voice. The weight of the world can feel so heavy and the sounds of the world can be so loud.  But in those moments, it’s important that we press into His presence through prayer, praise, and worship- that we call out to Him so that we can hear what He has to say to us. No time spent in His presence is wasted and it is in his presence that we can experience the fullness of joy.

I feel challenged to make sure that when things around me seem so loud and overwhelming that I’m being diligent about pursuing God’s presence so that I can hear His voice.  Then I will experience the peace and joy that I’ve been longing for, and can be prepared to face the challenges of life.

Until next time…

Be encouraged! Peace and blessings!