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

I would love to reflect on the last year of motherhood and chronic disease and homeschool and say our days were organized and we flowed from task to task with ease. That I took breaks when I needed them and we loved one another well every day. But instead, I can say this - we survived. And - we thrive.

Who cleans up the messes in your life? Have you ever thought about this before? While soaking soiled shirts and kissing injured knees and re-washing kitchen floors or counters or tables… while mending the errors in your colleagues work - or your own - and begging for relationships to be in a better place and space… Who is cleaning up? Who is nurturing you, nourishing you, tending to the flame of your spirit and soul?