Motherhood is a messy, beautiful journey where the days blur together with laundry, dishes, homeschooling, and just trying to keep everyone alive and happy. But lately, I’ve been feeling this tug on my heart to slow down, to really be present with Luci.

To let go of the constant checklist and just be.

Maybe it's all the time we spend together homeschooling, or maybe it’s the Holy Spirit nudging me to soak in these precious years.

Whatever it is, I’ve realized the best moments aren’t the planned outings or the perfectly crafted activities. They’re the random dance parties in the kitchen, the way her little hand slips into mine as we walk through the garden, or the way she squeals with delight at a butterfly landing nearby.

My favorite Bible Verse is Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.” 

Maybe God’s just gently reminding me to slow down and enjoy the gift of this life.

To laugh at her silly jokes, to savor the snuggles, and to marvel at her creativity.

From the moment Luci was born, so tiny and fragile, fighting in the NICU, I wanted to press pause and just be with her. I was told I’d never have kids, so every day with her feels like a gift I’d never get again.

I’ve tried hard to savor it all.

But slowing down isn’t just about soaking in the good—it’s about recognizing what you have right now. And for me, that’s this quiet, drama-free home with a husband who loves me, a daughter I get to do life with, and the blessing of staying home to teach her.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 

Gratitude changes everything.

It’s what helps me slow down and see the beauty I once prayed desperately for.

I try not to get caught up in the Pinterest-perfect image of what homeschool or stay-at-home motherhood should look like.

Life here is messy.

Crafts and glitter scattered across the floor, dishes piled in the sink, books spread out all over the living room because we couldn’t decide which one to read next.

That’s real life.

And it’s beautiful.

As I struggle with my immediate family, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to see Luci.

To really see her.

Not just her achievements or milestones, but her quirks, her imagination, her loving, empathetic heart toward animals, and her strong-willed spirit.

I love it all.

She’s perfectly and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14).

I don’t want to be so busy that I wake up one day, old and gray, finally seeing the amazing person she has become.

I want to see it now.

To nurture her gifts and love her well.

Back when I was teaching, it was all rush, rush, rush.

Even when I first started homeschooling Luci, I felt the pressure to do everything right. 

The perfect schedules, the milestones, the detailed lessons.

But what she really needed—what we needed—was just time together.

To laugh, to play, to explore the world at our own pace.

Jesus showed us the importance of rest.

He stepped away from the crowds, went up on the mountainside to pray, and reminded us we weren’t meant to run on empty.

Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

These days, I’m learning to be intentional about slowing down.

Instead of rushing through our days, I’m learning to linger.

To stop and marvel at a dandelion Luci hands me with such pride, or just sit and listen to her little voice weaving stories out of nothing.

It’s not always neat or perfect, but it’s real.

And it’s enough.

I want Luci to know that life is beautiful.

Not just in the big, exciting moments, but in the quiet, simple ones, too.

God’s goodness is woven into the ordinary, if we slow down long enough to see it.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” 

That includes the slow, unremarkable days that make up most of our lives.

So, to the mama who feels like she’s failing if she’s not doing it all—take a breath.

Let’s give ourselves permission to slow down and be present.

To find joy in the chaos and see God’s hand in the little moments.

Our kids won’t remember if the house was spotless or if we accomplished every item on our to-do list.

They’ll remember how we loved them and it will be their blueprint for their own parenting.

Slow down, mama.

Soak in the beautiful mess of it all.

God is right there with you, in the big moments and the small ones.

Need some encouragement?

Download our guide on slowing down and being intentional!

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the precious gift of motherhood and the beauty You weave into our daily lives. Help us to slow down, to see our children as You see them—perfectly and wonderfully made. Teach us to be present in the little moments, to cherish the laughter, the tears, the quiet cuddles, and the playful chaos. Remind us that our value doesn’t come from productivity or perfection but from Your love and grace.

Guide us, Lord, to let go of the rush and to savor the blessings You have given us. May we be mothers who pour out love and joy, who reflect Your goodness in all we do. And when we stumble or feel weary, help us to rest in You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.