I have started to love the concept of thriving in daily life. Maybe because it has become a bit of a buzz word on social media – but I am ok with buzz words sometimes. I think there is value in making the very most of our time, talents, and ability to glorify God in this life we live. I love and I strive for that. However, I think it is all to easy for myself and others to fall into the trap of perfectionism. By perfectionism I mean the thought that I must be thriving or flourishing at ALL times in ALL areas. We all know that is unrealistic. We flourish sometimes and at others we feel weak and unable.

In my current stage of life, the things that I want to thrive in are:

• Making my home run well, while also being a place of rest
• Savoring every moment of my kid’s childhood years, helping my children thrive
• Making my body and health function optimally. Being a godly example to my girls in every way possible

All of these things are important for me to carefully mull over and cover in prayer. They’re all necessary components to the life I have been given. Yet the problem comes when I start turning my own wheels and striving to make this happen by my own ability. I can give it such a high place in life that I don’t allow room for God to speak in, or for grace to abound.

I feel the truth in Proverbs 14:1, that “the wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.” And I know I am tempted not to thrive but to strive which will only tear down what God has asked me to build.

So as I seek wisdom that will build, I have seen that I need not ask “How can I make myself thrive more?” I need to ask instead, “Lord give me grace for this day, and the ability to know You are near, regardless of what my circumstances bring.”

Some days we are sick. Others rain down stressors beyond our control that threaten to consume us. In those times, I’m not worrying about thriving at 100% capacity, but rather leaning into my faith in God. And in the begging Him to be present and to guide is where I truly thrive. Oh, how much joy it brings to me knowing that it is not only my best days that count, but that the nearness of the Faithful One can make any moment holy and good.

Britney Bradley loves being a wife to her loving husband, Brian. She is mother to 4 little girls, Ruby, Cora, Lily, and Opal, as well as auntie to 8, and friend to many. She has always dreamed about marriage and motherhood, and is now navigating God’s will each and every day in these realms. She enjoys writing when she gets a chance, and of course, coffee.