A Season of Stretching—and Grace

+JMJ+ I’m into my third trimester of pregnancy with our sixth baby, and it’s safe to say this has been the most stretching season of my life (both literally and figuratively).

Every pregnancy brings its own set of challenges, but this one has been especially difficult—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I’m exhausted in every sense of the word. It’s been a season of deep suffering, of uncertainty, and of navigating change. A season that has required me to come out of my comfort zone again and again. And yet, through it all, it has also been a season of beauty, joy, peace, and tremendous grace.

God has used this time to peel away so many layers of self-reliance. I’ve had to lean on Him in ways I never have before and on others, too. That hasn’t always been easy. Surrender rarely is.

I’ve had to let go of my expectations, of my own plans, of what I thought I needed, and even who I thought I needed. This journey has included not just physical hardship, but difficult people and situations as well. Yet, in the midst of the pain, the fatigue, and the uncomfortable unknowns, God has been gently at work.

It’s been humbling. Refining. Painful. And beautiful.

We’ve witnessed the kindness and generosity of our church family and the goodness of people who have come alongside us in love. We’ve also seen the other side—the selfishness and darkness that sometimes surfaces when life gets hard and hearts are tested. Both sides have taught us. Both have reminded us that this world is not our home and that our strength and identity must come from Christ alone.

As I find myself in the “nesting” stage—preparing for the birth of this new life, making plans, dreaming about the future—I’m constantly being reminded of one simple truth:

God’s grace is enough.

His grace shows up in the small things.

The glimmers.

The little moments of peace in the chaos.

The encouragement from a friend.

The kindness of a stranger.

The unexpected joy in the middle of exhaustion.

Our plans are not always what we think we need. Our desires are not always what’s best for us. But God knows. And He will stretch us and mold us if we let Him.

He will walk with us through the tough moments, even when we feel like we can’t take one more step or carry one more thing. Even when we fail, even when we're weak, and even when we feel like we've reached the breaking point, he never fails. His strength is strong enough for each and every one of us. He never breaks.

God is always enough.

So wherever you find yourself right now—in a season of joy or sorrow, of change or waiting—may you know this truth deep in your heart:

God is with you.

He is working.

And His grace will carry you.

Jesus, I trust in you!

"Your lot is indeed a beautiful one, since Our Lord has chosen it for you, and has first touched with His own Lips the cup which He holds out to yours."

St. Therese of Lisieux