Relating back to my last blog on community, now that I’m a mom, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the gift of a helping hand. Whether it’s someone saying, “I grabbed takeout so we can just relax as a family tonight,” or “Let me watch the baby while you run to the store real quick,” those small gestures go a long way. Even little things, like turning up Morgan Wallen’s new album just a little louder on a quick drive to the grocery store, suddenly feel sacred. Point is: God-centered community truly rocks.

One of the biggest blessings God has given me since becoming a mom is the other moms He’s placed in my life. Women I can talk to, relate with, share our struggles, and lean on when life feels overwhelming. While living in Austria, I’ve seen how God works even in the most unexpected places. I’ll admit it’s on me that I can’t speak German fluently. But God knew I still needed community, especially a mom community. That’s when He brought Brittney into my life. She’s also American and somehow, we just clicked. Brittney and I had been on a similar road. Both married to Austrians, both navigating life in a foreign country while learning how to be the best moms we could be. She would pray over me and give me hope in the moments that seemed so harsh. We watched church services together online and would talk about what God is teaching us. She really is a friend that I will always thank God for.

God also brought other friends back into my life exactly when I needed them. I’m so thankful for the people He’s specifically placed in my life for a greater good. Looking back on this past year, the more I leaned on God, the more He provided. Not just spiritually, but practically. And many of those provisions came in the form of strong, wise, compassionate moms.

Being a mom is, without a doubt, the greatest calling I’ve ever had. My daughter is seriously the coolest little human. I can’t wait to (hopefully) have more one day. She has changed me completely. I used to run around constantly, always working multiple jobs, obsessed with being productive and money-minded. But she’s taught me to slow down. And honestly, it’s one of the most beautiful lessons I’ve ever learned. She’s helped me realize that no moment is more important than the one we’re living in right now. Everyone told me how fast time flies once you have kids and they weren’t lying.

Even when life feels like a whirlwind, she has this way of grounding me. I’ll catch myself in the middle of the chaos and say, “You know what, sit down. Actually drink your coffee. Enjoy it.” That might not sound like much, but in a season filled with storms, those small reminders are everything.

I’ve always been for the most part a clean-and-tidy person. I couldn’t sit on the couch until the dishes were done and the house looked put together. Ask me about Hollywood or certain movies, truth be told, I probably haven’t seen them. I’ve had a hard time relaxing for most of my life. The only time I ever felt like I could fully let go was during my study exchanges in Europe. But once again, my baby girl changed me. She’s changed my perspective. My outlook. My pace.

One day, she won’t need me the way she does now. And because of that, I’ve made it my mission to be present even in the middle of the mess. We all carry heartaches, responsibilities, and daily stressors. But since becoming a mom, I’ve learned to count my blessings more intentionally and my favorite one to count is her.

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

My Birth Story

I debated whether or not to share a little bit of my birth story, but I just can’t leave it out. It was one of the most spiritual experiences I’ve ever had. If I had any lingering doubts about God, they were gone the moment I gave birth. I remember being in the thick of labor and saying loud and clear, “God, please make this go fast.” And sure enough, less than ten minutes later she was here. I will always feel so blessed knowing how well my body did during delivery. 

Knowing what I went through during pregnancy, I couldn’t believe how perfect she was. It was the most beautiful miracle I’ve ever witnessed. I thank God every single day for answering my countless prayers—for a healthy baby, and for the strength God gave me to keep enduring during my pregancy. Safe to say, He delivered.

Psalm 127:3-5 NIV – “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him.”

One thing that truly surprised me was just how deeply connected a mom and baby can be. I say can be because not all moms choose to fully lean in. But my daughter and I – we’re completely in tune with one another. My mom friends always told me, “Babies feel everything,” and they were right. My aunt, who recently attended a baby safety conference, told me something powerful: even before babies crawl, they can sense sadness, joy, and anxiety in their caregiver.

That truth stuck with me. It reminded me that as much as I pour into her, I need to pour into myself too mentally, emotionally, physically. Because when Mom is well, Baby is well. It’s so easy to forget ourselves when we become moms. I’ve caught myself doing it more times than I can count. But even if it’s something small – like doing 50 air squats in the kitchen – I’ve learned to make space for my own well-being, too. That pan on the stove can wait.

Motherhood has shown me that things will get done eventually. The dishes. The texts. The emails. The laundry. But being present in a house that feels like home is what truly matters. It’s not about perfection, but rather presence.

Isaiah 66:13 NIV — “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you…”

As moms, we are called to be our children’s comfort and I can say with my whole heart: it’s the greatest calling I’ve ever received.