Looking back at these photos warms my heart. My son is probably another 2 years older as I write this, and the journey here as not been idyllic. As much as these photos paint a beautiful picture of motherhood and family, the reality of day to day life with a husband and one child (only one!) is more than a bit chaotic. I have wrestled with a lot of doubt, despair, overwhelm and more than my share of feelings of inadequacy.

I say this because it’s easy to form a picture of someone else’s life through the lens of social media, carefully curated images that may depict a perfectly happy family, or peace amidst the chaos. I think we all recognise the inaccuracy of that depiction, but still, it’s helpful to be reminded. When putting this website together I questioned a lot. 1) should I even be putting this out to the world? Something of creating a website and ‘building a platform’ seems pretty pretentious, and I’m over the self made soloprenaurers plastered across social media. 2) I questioned if I should even use these photos. Really, they are beautiful, and capture the magic of childhood and love I have for my husband and son. But the daily reality, the grind, is much more complex.

But, apart from being the most beautiful depiction of my family I have, looking at these photos brings me joy. In the midst of the hardness of daily life it is good to remember the good things. The blessing that having a family really is. I so often forget that when I am struggling with relationships and am experiencing frustration in mothering my son.

This website is about my journey towards joy, (or in joy), and something I’m learning about is the importance of giving thanks. So it is good and appropriate to celebrate the blessings we have, while also acknowledging the difficulty of the journey.

I hope this website helps lead you to a place of gratitude and wellbeing, despite the daily challenges of life. And more than that I pray that you experience a deep sense of contentment in the God of the now but not yet we worship and hope in together.

This is an invitation to go deeper. To travel the well worn roads in search of deeper treasure. To listen to the voice in the wind, when all that is around you is shouting and vying for your attention. For peace amidst the chaos of a world gone mad.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives, do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

— Jesus —

With thanks for these beautiful photos by Lisa Grant Photography.