Dear worn out Momma,
Dear Mom at the end of your rope,
Dear anxiety-filled Momma,
Dear too-tired-to-care Mom,

I see you. I know today is hard. But this hard season is not in vain.

I know that when a particular season of motherhood is especially challenging, it can be tempting to put on a strong face and “just survive” until the storm passes.

But, as you’re wishing this hard season away, you may be missing an opportunity to THRIVE through it all.

Thrive in the midst of this pain and struggle?
Thrive in the trenches of the no-sleep induced postpartum fog?
Thrive when you feel completely inadequate to handle this new parenting challenge?

Yes. You can thrive in today’s tough season.

It may not look like the world’s definition of thriving. But, if you turn your eyes towards your Good Heavenly Father, He will make it possible to thrive in the midst of struggle.

Listen to Jesus’ words…

You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.  Matthew 5:3-4 (MSG)

We thrive when we give up trying in our own strength and instead, rely on the never-ending, never-failing strength of Christ.

I too am in a hard season. I am trying to navigate the waters of new motherhood. There have definitely been stormy days, but God has been so faithful through them all. When I forget to keep my eyes on Him, I start to sink into the ocean of doubt, fear, and mommy-guilt. But, when my eyes are fixed on Jesus, He turns the hard things into worship.

The hours spent rocking my baby turn into precious quiet times with the Lord.
The situations that test my patience make me more in awe of the God who is so patient with me.
The sleep deprivation reminds me that I am weak, and that is such a freeing place to be.

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10 (ESV)

Every season matters. God is not bringing you through this season because He is mean, or mad at you. God has a beautiful plan for you in this hard season. He is growing and shaping you to look more like His Son. He is pruning and preparing you to further walk out your glorious calling. He, like a skilled surgeon, is cutting out the things that will kill you and your dreams, if left to fester. He is drawing you closer to Himself, teaching you a greater dependence on Him.

In this tough season, don’t miss the opportunity to THRIVE.

Ask God what He is up to through it all, and trust that He is working all things for your good and His glory. Don’t be afraid to cry out to God for what you need (with all the real, ugly and messy emotions), and then trust His provision. He will give you exactly what you need today.

This hard season is not in vain. In Christ you can thrive today. Yes, even today.