In 2024, I made a commitment to build a new habit: cooking a real breakfast for my family every morning. And when I say breakfast, I mean breakfast. Eggs, bacon, sausage, hashbrowns, pancakes, French toast, Dutch babies, eggs benedict—the works. We’d sit down as a family nearly every day, sharing a meal before heading out into our busy lives.
This was a big shift for us. Before that, “breakfast” usually meant tossing some Cheerios and a squeezy pouch to my son, mixing up a quick protein shake with frozen berries, and rushing out the door. Our mornings were hurried and chaotic, often filled with frustration, passive aggression, and unkind words.
At the start of 2024, I was struggling with the balance between work and motherhood. I missed the quiet time I used to have for myself, the uninterrupted moments with my husband, and the simplicity of my pre-motherhood life. Guilt weighed heavily on me. I felt rushed, overwhelmed, and—to be honest—miserable to be around.
One morning, as I prayed about this ongoing struggle (or, more accurately, complained to Jesus about it), I decided to change my approach. Instead of venting my frustrations, I asked Him to show me a way forward.
He gave me a single word: bitter.
That word hit me like a brick. I knew instantly that it wasn’t about anyone else—it was for me.
Over the next few days, I wrestled with it. I asked Jesus to show me what it meant and how I could let it go. Slowly, He began to reveal the roots of my bitterness, particularly in our morning routine.
Then, a new thought emerged: What if mornings could be different? What if they could be peaceful, joyful, even sacred?
I realized I needed to make some changes—not in my circumstances, but in myself.
I stopped focusing on what I didn’t like about our mornings and started imagining what I wanted them to be. I wanted slow, meaningful time with my family. I wanted to stop rushing my son out the door and instead savor moments with him. I wanted to have conversations with my husband, not just logistical handoffs.
What our family needed was breakfast.
I began learning how to make it happen. I researched tips to simplify the process, like cooking bacon and sausage in the oven and prepping ingredients the night before. At first, my husband was confused. He’d heard me complain nonstop about being overwhelmed, and now I was taking on more.
But after a few weeks, we found our rhythm. Breakfast became a natural part of our mornings. Our family started looking forward to gathering around the table. My son was calmer, and I noticed a surprising boost in my own energy and metabolism—I wasn’t crashing midday anymore.
Most importantly, my bitterness melted away.
As I served my family, the act of giving shifted my heart. Complaints turned to gratitude. Frustration gave way to joy. What began as an act of obedience to Jesus became a gift for all of us.
The turning point wasn’t just the habit—it was the moment I asked Jesus what I needed, instead of telling Him what I thought I needed. He knew better than I did.
So, if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or bitter in your own life, I encourage you to ask Jesus for His perspective. His answer might surprise you, but it will always lead to peace.
Let’s stop rushing, stop complaining, and start creating the lives we truly want—with His guidance.
What’s one area of your life that could use a pivot? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear how Jesus is working in your life.
Three Tools Helping Me Manage Home Life with More Peace and Joy in 2025
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Home Planner
This planner is a lifesaver for busy families! It combines spacious weekly layouts and monthly calendars with pre-made daily, weekly, and seasonal checklists for home care. The added checkbox for daily Scripture reading brings a touch of encouragement to my day, helping me keep my home in order and my heart at peace. -
Work Planner
Balancing work and home life can be daunting, but this planner keeps me focused. Its vertical format and Monday start streamline my to-do lists, events, and projects while offering reflective prompts to reconnect with why I do what I do. It’s more than just a planner—it’s my go-to tool for efficiency and purpose. -
Menu Planning Recipe Box
This happy box has completely transformed meal prep for my family. It includes recipe cards with detailed instructions, calorie counts, and versatile cooking methods like slow cooker and grilling options. With reusable dry-erase grocery lists, meal prep tips, and family-approved recipes, it’s made meal planning a breeze and cleanup even easier.
These three resources have added more structure, simplicity, and joy to my home life, making 2025 a year of peace and purpose!
