First Things
Photo by Julian Hochgesang on Unsplash
The weeks following Christmas and New Year’s Day offer a rare gift—the space to pause and reflect.
After a December rich with the fullness of an abundant life, there is no need to hurry into what’s next.
Instead, we are invited to linger, to breathe, and to listen for the gentle, prayerful discernment that comes as a new year quietly unfolds.
Last week, I was practicing this reflective state, looking through old photos and videos, as our youngest daughter turned eleven.
Christmas 2020
Oh my goodness, how were our six littles so stinkin’ cute just five years ago?
I know I would hold the space of those crazy years differently with the hindsight I have.
I feel nostalgic and will probably feel the same way in five more years, when I look back on these precious middle years.
Christmas 2025
I am discovering that these middle years of motherhood bring a whole different list of feelings and questions:
What is the best option for my second child's high school education?
Is their faith growing to become their own?
Where does each child need character growth and development?
Are the boundaries and accountability we have set with technology sufficient?
When are we comfortable with our kids dating?
What will the vehicle situation look like with so many new drivers emerging?
Those are just some of the questions on my mind and heart.
But as I look ahead to 2026 and all that it may hold, I sense the Holy Spirit inviting me not to run ahead with my planner or even with all the new questions each new season brings, but to focus on my first mission—beloved daughter of a king!
Being a wife, mother, homemaker, teacher, and student flows from this one unshakeable identity.
This is at the core of every decision I make.
Because when we know who we are, we respond in confidence and purpose.
Daughter of God is not a position I need to strive after; it is mine to live into each day!
1. Rooted in Identity
For eighteen years now, my husband and I have not used an alarm clock.
It helps that we are both people who naturally appreciate an early-to-bed and early-rising routine, and I love knowing my body is not being interrupted abruptly to start the day.
But even in a relaxed state of waking, I often begin evaluating myself.
…Did I sleep well?
…Is there a relational heaviness to pick back up from something the day before?
…Will I complete my ideal morning schedule of reading the Bible, journaling, and weight lifting, before my husband comes for our prayer time, and I need to quickly get ready before dropping off our oldest at high school?
…Do I have what is needed for each of my children today?
Before my thoughts spiral too far—if I take a moment for self-awareness—the Holy Spirit has space to interrupt:
Charlene, beloved daughter, you are loved before you contribute. You are chosen before you are productive. You are held before you are faithful…
Jesus himself began His ministry only after the Father declared over Him:
“This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.” ~ Matthew 3:17
God speaks the same blessing over us—not because we have done well, but because we are the apple of his eye!
Reflection:
Where have I been defining myself by my roles, rather than my identity as God’s beloved daughter?
What could shift in my home if I lived from belovedness, rather than striving?
2. Mission in the Home
My husband and I celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary on the first weekend of this new year with a special two nights in the mountains.
We have enjoyed couple-trips many times over the years, but every time I get away with Benj, I am amazed at the perspective it brings and how much I relax and enjoy being with him without all of the responsibilities of motherhood.
Hiking in Jasper
As I go through the middle years of life, I am reminded that I am a wife first and then a mother.
This order is not cultural—it’s biblical!
The creation story in Genesis presents Eve as a wife, a life partner, before she became a mother to future generations.
The Proverbs 31 woman manages her household with incredible wisdom and creativity, all while honouring her covenant to her husband and nurturing her children.
Historically, many faithful women have modelled this so well!
Susanna Wesley, mother of John and Charles, served her family faithfully because she first honoured her husband and ordered her life around time with God.
Elisabeth Elliot, though widely known for her missionary work, emphasized again and again that obedience begins at home, in the small, unseen acts of love.
Sarah Edwards, wife of Jonathan Edwards, cultivated a home that shaped one of the most spiritually influential families in history—not because she led movements, but because she lived faithfully in her calling.
Our world celebrates highlight reels, but God often hides the most impactful ministries behind front doors, listening around kitchen tables, and serving in laundry rooms.
Reflection:
What does it look like, in this season, to strengthen my marriage as my primary ministry?
How might my motherhood flourish as a result?
3. A Rule of Life
In the last few years, as seasons change, I’ve found myself returning to a Rule of Life—a simple, prayerful structure that helps me live intentionally and grow towards the Lord through every season.
The five areas I create daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly aims for within this Rule of Life document are:
Time (Spiritual)
Trust (Relational)
Temple (Physical)
Treasure (Financial)
Talent (Missional)
I try to review my Rule of Life seasonally, rather than just annually, making one or two changes here and there, which can be significant!
This isn’t about performance or pressure.
This is about alignment—living so that our inner life and outer life tell the same story. Integrity!
I have written more about having a Rule of Life here.
Reflection:
Which of these five areas needs gentle attention in this new year?
What is one small, sustainable practice I can begin this week in that area?
4. Faithfulness in the Everyday
Our world rewards outcomes—God celebrates daily obedience.
Our culture praises visibility—Jesus blesses hiddenness.
If your ministry looks like folding towels, wiping counters, facilitating math lessons, settling sibling disputes, driving and dropping off, and whispering prayers over sleeping children, I see you!
And as you awake to another day, maybe feeling like you are already behind, remember you are the daughter of the King and have holy work to do today.
We are cultivating Kingdom soil in our daily worship of serving our family.
We are living out our mission, maybe not in far-off lands, but in minivans, church cafes, and parking lot conversations.
We rise each day and give back what God has placed in our hands.
We are wives who hold space for love to grow in the sacred work of partnership.
We are daughters of God, carrying His presence into kitchens and revealing Jesus to our children.
These are the things to put first in this new year!
A Mother’s Prayer for 2026
Lord, remind me that I am Yours first.
Show me how to love my husband well and teach me to guide my children with gentleness and courage.
Shape my days with rhythms that keep me close to Your heart.
And let my ordinary obedience become a place for your light and glory.
Let it be so!
