Faithful Working Mom

Do you wake up feeling behind before the day even starts?
That was me. I was busy, but not productive. I was doing everything but somehow falling behind on everything. Life was just happening to me. I felt like I had nothing to show for it except an empty tank.

Hustle, Grind, Sleep, Repeat

Most mornings, I’d wake up with just enough time to rush out the door for work. Eight hours later, I’d come home and make dinner. I would get my son to bed. Then I’d collapse on the couch with my husband to watch TV. We stayed there until I couldn’t keep my eyes open anymore. That was my life on repeat: hustle, grind, sleep, repeat.

I wasn’t working out. I wasn’t reading my Bible. I rarely saw friends. All the things I knew were good for me and what I needed to have a healthy life. I had nothing left to give. And I remember thinking: This can’t be all there is. What am I even doing it all for?

It wasn’t one big “aha!” moment. It was more like a slow realization (a dread) that my life felt meaningless, unfocused, and chaotic. I was just spinning my wheels, and time was slipping away. Let’s call it a mild mid-life crisis!

The Shift: One Small Change

I didn’t overhaul my entire life overnight. I started with one small, painfully simple change:

I began waking up at 5 a.m.

Yes, it’s dark. Yes, it’s quiet. Yes, it’s hard to open your eyes at first. But I knew the morning was the only time I could claim for myself. This was before the needs and demands of everyone else began. For the first time, I wasn’t letting others (my boss, my kids, or even my to-do list) control my day. I was taking control of my time, my focus, and my sanity.

What My Mornings Look Like Now

• Bible reading and prayer. I focus on what matters most and keeps me grounded, to center my heart and mind on God. To show gratitude to the Giver of Life, and to tap into my Source of supernatural energy and focus. I know that without this one habit, my day will be a mess.
• Movement. Usually just walking a mile on the treadmill, to wake up my body. Before we had a treadmill, I’d go to the gym or do a short YouTube workout video. There are so many options (yes, the treadmill takes away the excuses). I tell myself, “It’s just 15 minutes!”
• Learning and planning, so I can start the day with intention instead of reaction. I make it a point every day to learn. Podcasts, audio books, and sermons are my go-to’s, and lately I’ve been listening to motivational speakers. Whatever gets me juiced!

This one hour changed everything. I’m not magically less busy, but I’m grounded. I have more patience with my son. I have more clarity at work. I have more purpose in how I show up for my family. Most importantly, I feel closer to God, and that changes how I handle everything else.

Running the Race on Purpose

The apostle Paul compares life to running a race:

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize…Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training…We do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly…”
(1 Corinthians 9:24–26)

We aren’t called to live aimless, reactive lives. We’re called to live disciplined, intentional lives that glorify God. Running tired is inevitable, but running with purpose is life-giving. And God promises He will sustain us for the race He’s set before us.

Your Turn

Faithful, working mom, what are you running toward? What kind of legacy do you want to leave?

Maybe, like me, your first step is simply setting your alarm an hour earlier. Claim that quiet space. Open your Bible. Move your body. Watch how God meets you in the stillness. You get to decide the focus of your day and your life.

Run your race on purpose. Stay faithful. Finish well.