The Fuller folks

Yesterday was tough. It’s been over a week since we last saw Wonder, Ashton’s beloved cat, and somehow the weight of everything hit me at once. The familiar wave of guilt washed over me as a mom, knowing that we’re still months away from being back in our home. Some of our animals are displaced, living temporarily in a barn near our land. Meanwhile, I’m here, trying to juggle school, work, mom life, and the many details of our home renovations. Exhausted but determined, I’m so close to the finish line of school! Holding onto the hope that all this hard work will bring us closer to home where we can finally build new memories and rest.

It’s tempting to look at life and want it to be sunshine and rainbows. I know that, to others, it might seem like that’s what we have. But honestly, I’m hanging on by a thread most days. I’m racing toward each finish line just to catch my breath and keep going, all with one goal alongside Andrew: making our home livable again.

I don’t just want to be “my best”—yes, that Enneagram Three in me is alive and well—but I also want to truly rest in being a wife, a mom, and a friend. I want to thrive in my work because, let’s face it, bills don’t wait. And, as hard as it is to admit, this year hasn’t been my best. This season has been filled with challenges, and it’s forcing me to let go of the idea that I can do everything, especially in the midst of a big move and learning to navigate life in a new community while finishing school.

One of the hardest parts is missing out on the simple things, like decorating a float for homecoming or being part of community activities. Those moments of coming together and creating something—of bonding over a shared purpose—are a joy I deeply value. Community is built when we do life together, serve alongside each other, and share those small, joyful experiences. And though I can’t do it all right now, that connection to community is what I long to embrace here while I seemingly stand on the sidelines.

One thing I know for certain: my strength is truly found in God. And I am reminded of that daily, holding onto His Word and promises. “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31). These words from one of my favorite scriptures remind me that God meets us in our weariness, renewing us with His strength, especially on the days when I feel I have nothing left to give.

I want to be real here because someone recently reminded me of the importance of honesty. People might see a life wrapped in a pretty bow, but the reality is that it’s filled with grit, hardship, and perseverance rooted deeply in faith. This journey isn’t easy. But I know that God is working through it, growing and strengthening us in ways we may not even realize.

If you’re in a hard season, feeling the weight of it all, please know you’re not alone. I see you, and I hear your heart. I’m praying for anyone feeling this deeply. Let’s hold each other up as believers while we walk through these seasons, finding strength in knowing that even on the hardest days, we are not alone- He is with us!