Some days are heavy. They just are. My six kids and wonderful husband are treasures, but the momming thing, it’s a exercise in sacrifice. It stretches us, renews us, and exhausts every single cell in our beings.

As I left the house to watch the IF Gathering with a group of women at church, I found myself weighed down by an interaction I’d had with one of my younger kiddos. It wasn’t anything odd or unusual, but for some reason, I was impacted more at this moment.

My own deep needs were taking over my attitude and my enthusiasm. I ached for the thing I no longer had, a mother, someone to tell me I was doing a good job.

I’ve had three women step bravely into this role in my life. The abundance of those blessings is not missed on me for minute, but all three have gone on to live out their reward in Heaven. Hopefully, it’s not because I wore them out. My grandmother, stepmother, and mentor all made impacts on my life, investing in me, and shaping my heart into one that could love more like they did.

As I sat through deep and meaningful teaching, my mind mediated on the friends I’ve been blessed with. People who have not and will not leave me even when my mess overflows. We are a community, a therapy group, a source of generously given prayers. When I’m under a pile of pressure, they step in and start shoveling.

Most of us will outlive our mothers. We’re meant to. But we’re also designed to live in tight connection with others. Find your people. This matters.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 NIV

Shaped by the Waves tells the story of a woman struggling to understand her changing world as she loses the only mother she’s ever known.

I’m excited to offer a Christmas bonus this year. It’s especially nice if you’re buying a copy of Shaped by the Waves for a loved one. Just click over to the contact page and let me know your address, who you’d like the card addressed to, and your presale order number. I’ll get a signed bookplate, a personalized card, and a Gull’s Bay sticker in the mail to you in time for Christmas.

You guys, this is one of the craziest things that has ever happened to me. I was in no way expecting to win. In fact, I hadn’t even thought about what I’d say until a few minutes before the announcement. I mean, here I am, still shocked that I was a Christy Award finalist.

Tamara Alexander, yes that Tamara Alexander, was the presenter for my category. She started reading the first line, and I felt very confused because that was the first line of my book, and the other two books were written by Amanda Dykes and Charles Martin. Seriously, they are amazing writers. I’m not sure of all that happened next. There were tears and a goofy look from me. I’m told Chris Fabry, yet another amazing author, laughed a lot. Apparently I’m very entertaining when I’m stunned.

Hopefully I thanked everyone because I am truly thankful to all of you.

This is the kind of honor I hope I never take for granted. It joins many others like being a mom, a wife, a believer, and an author. Life isn’t always mountaintops. We all go through valleys, some deeper than others. But, friends, don’t forget about the beautiful moments you’ve had. Let those memories be a reminder that there are more great times to come.