Motherhood often brings me to my knees, but I’m being honest, sometimes it brings me flat on my face.

There are moments when we feel so depleted and so overwhelmed by the cards we’ve been dealt that we have absolutely no other place to go but complete and utter surrender.

We have no strength left to make a decision.

Our knees are so weak from begging for answers and trying to trust God, but sometimes the waiting is just so defeating.

We have absolutely no idea how to handle this unending pattern of toddler tantrums.

We have no clue why our children just. won’t. sleep.

We have no idea why there can’t be days of overwhelming bliss where everyone gets along and the house stays clean for more than 10 minutes at a time?

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Someone is crying.

The baby always poops after a fresh diaper is put on.

I thought we were making progress.

I lost my temper again.

Why are they licking everything?

When did that stutter appear?

Why does someone always have to get sick when we have plans?

That’s just it, though.

Motherhood can be an overwhelming roller coaster of emotions.

But God.

He shows up right when we need it.

When we question everything we are doing and if we are doing anything right, He picks our face-planted, ugly-crying self up off the floor and shows us those overwhelmingly beautiful moments.

When our children whisper “I love you” to one another in the other room.

When our children ask us to snuggle and read a book.

When our children grab our hand and say, “Mommy, I have to show you this!”

When our children befriend a stranger.

When our child asks to say the blessing over dinner.

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When our children light up because they accomplished something they’ve worked hard to achieve.

Motherhood might bring you on your face in defeat, but it can also bring you to a complete praise party that leaves you completely and utterly speechless.

Sure, we have a front-row seat to our children’s struggles, but we also a front-row seat to seeing their beautiful life story unfold.

We get to see them overcome obstacles.

We get to grow and learn in the process.

May we not let the overwhelming short stories of life overtake the greatest story of all—God’s plan for you, your children, and the epic adventure of motherhood.

Originally published on the author’s blog