Both / And

The beginning of a school year is full of so much anticipation and also is a defining moment in time of another year gone by. I’ve been feeling life is moving faster than I can catch it. I am feeling grief of passing seasons and joy of seasons to come.

Motherhood is full of opposing truths in almost every moment of every day.

Both / and

We are overwhelmed and also exactly where we are meant to be.

We are the soft place to land and the ones to hold a firm boundary.

We are the arms that hold unsteady hands and the arms to cheer on unsteady hearts.

We hold the questions of today and the unknowns of the future.

We are utterly exhausted and full to the brim with purpose.

We crave 10 minutes of quiet and also love the constant comings and goings.

We are the anchor and simultaneously teaching them how to swim.

We see the minor struggle and the bigger picture they don’t understand just yet.

Both / and

While our kids are running to us for their needs to be met, let us not forget to turn to our Savior who is the ultimate paradox.

He is both the alpha and the omega.

He is both the lion and the lamb.

He is both our comforter and our ever present help.

He is both our defender and source of peace in the storm.

He is both the King of the world and a servant washing dirty feet.

His ultimate power was shown through humility and sacrifice, which is contradictory to the modern definition of strength. It’s not a coincidence that motherhood requires so much of us as it the tiniest reflection of Jesus’ heart. His strength is truly made perfect in our weakness.

May you find strength today in both your humanity and in your surrender.

Both / and.

On this journey with you,

Rachel