But as the years went on and my number of children increased, so did the distractions—and the temptation to surrender my soul to my calendar and numerous activities that come with raising a family. I often bought into the lies our culture sells, expressed through busyness, sports, and school commitments—all under the banner of being “well-rounded”—but it took its toll.

This summer, a momma bird built a nest in the planter on our front porch. Honestly, I was so annoyed. I’d heard that once a bird nests, she’ll return each year—and I didn’t love the idea of a porch ‘mess’ on repeat.

But it was too late. She was already here.