Sometimes, we just need to know that it’s all going to be okay. Definitely on those days, when the battle of wills are raging, and parenting is hard. When I can see the struggle of the heart written all over my children’s faces. And there are times that I want to give up or give in. In those times, I need to be reminded that it is worthwhile. That struggling as a parent, to do the right thing, will be worth the struggle I have with my children, trying to teach them to do the right things. And that over all, it’s all going to be okay.
Sometimes, I get caught up in the little things. Cause when I turn around last minute, to run out the door and see her wearing her 50s Girl Halloween costume, from two years ago and there is no time to change, I realize that I just have to let it go. And that little clips of colored hair, received from spending her well earned wooden library nickels, really aren’t so bad after all. Because they bring her such joy and because that little “proud” smile that she flashes reveals a beautiful confidence all her own. So I give her a big hug and can almost feel a relief in letting go and again I’m reminded that everything will be okay.
Sometimes, you spend a Friday night, hanging out with an amazing friend who has stopped by to share life-changing things and when you hear his heart and his hopes and dreams it comes again, that feeling that everything will be okay. Because even though it’s easy to focus on all the things that are wrong with teenagers these days, you choose to see that that there is still good, that there is always good when you look hard enough for it.
I’ll admit. There are so many times in life when I struggle, because of my own heart and because others struggle and the world struggles. There are times in my own personal life, that anxiety grips my heart so tight and makes it hard to see clearly or to move freely or to breathe slowly. But in those times, when I lean into my faith, and draw near to Jesus, I can feel him draw near as well. And the struggles become smaller as my trust slowly grows bigger. Because He give me grace and peace and hope. And they are all beautiful things and I’m thankful for how they teach me that no matter what is going on, or what will be, it’s all going to be okay.
Laura Herr Photography 
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Todd asks the kids, “Is it life or death? Heaven or hell?” If no to all those, then as they sing, “Let it Go”
Reach around and give yourself a pat on the back more often. You have great kids and they are the by-product of your full-time mothering!