So many mothers have bought into the lie that the only identity that matters is Mom. I was one of them.

As a special needs parent, holidays often feel less than holy. Do you agree? For me, it could be our daughter’s self control rupturing at the seams. Or it could be the immense fatigue from doing-all-the-things only to continue to be “on” on the Sabbath/weekend, too. But God. We are met here.

Noticing beauty - mindfulness or gratitude - can make such a difference in our mental health and that of our precious kids! I have found that over the last decade of parenting, I have spent much time pondering daily grace. Daily grace as in heavenly winks that prove God exists and good is present now and also, He is there (in the next). I give thanks for such grace! It keeps me afloat.

I get to do life with a child who battles with and for her mental health daily. Sometimes, I thrive parenting a child with OCD. And sometimes, I just survive. Yet I couldn’t do either without Jesus.