Quiet Solace in this Season

I look forward to writing the Friday log, but at the same time I feel like an imposter. I feel as though I'm supposed to share something I've figured out that maybe others haven't. But the truth of the matter is, I have very, very little figured out.

I'm a mom of young children, and in this season of life, I often feel overwhelmed — almost to the point of not feeling joy. I find comfort, though, in knowing it seems to be a shared experience among other moms in my circles, whether it's my church, friendship, or work circle. And I think we all wear our overwhelm differently and experience it differently.

I don't know what's led me to write this, but I want to say to those overwhelmed moms: I see you. We live in a world now where there's a lot of pressure on us from social media and our sheer access to other people — pressure to do it all, be it all, wear every hat, achieve every accolade, attend every event. It's all... overwhelming. And I think I'm ready to let that part of it go.

In fact, I once woke from a really jarring dream in which God told me to put my phone down and look around. In the dream, He said I was missing the beautiful earth He created for me, and it really impacted me. Sometimes, in that state of overwhelm, I try to remember that. It's really difficult, though; when you're in that state, it's hard to pray your way out of it. But I think that might be the answer in some cases. Other ways I temper the overwhelm are by making plans with people I love deeply, keeping a good book on hand, and building small rituals into my day that bring me joy (like my delicious morning coffee, delightful afternoon green tea, and a calming chamomile to close out the day. Yes, my comfort is provided in warm beverages, even in 100-degree weather).

I also think it helps to remember that seasons are just that — seasons. They pass, and they're meant to be temporary. I thought about something several months ago: I don't want to be the person who has to look forward to the weekend to find a reprieve from the rest of my life. I want to be as excited for each and every day as I am for a Saturday or Sunday. Because if all we ever look forward to are our Saturdays and Sundays, that's just 30% of our week.

But when it comes to faith, my go-to phrase with people is that I'm a good Christian, not a great one. Oftentimes I have to look up the scripture that relates to what I'm babbling about, or draw on my memory of lyrics from choir music. Matthew 11:28-30 is one such verse: "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" — it came to me from a song the choir performed several months ago. But what's provided me comfort so far in this journey is being around moms in the same place at the same time — and also finding refuge in friendships with people beyond the stage I'm in on my parenting journey, because I feel like they can offer insight into what's coming.

I also find quiet solace in having a schedule — thank God for back-to-school and regular church programming! Children's Ministry Kickoff is on August 12, and Joyful Noise Children's Choir kicks off our 2026-2027 season on August 19th. I look forward to the predictability and sweet, musical sounds that come with it. We are so excited to have everyone back! There's a beautiful Christmas musical coming this year, a spring concert, and lots of children's performances in between — having that focus is what matters to my family at this time in life. 
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As a family, we value our Wednesday nights and our Sunday mornings at Northbrook and look forward to seeing you around campus — overwhelm and all.

Joyfully,

​Chelsea Spits
Director of Children's Choir