Seasonal Transitions in Parenthood: Finding Stability in God

As Cassidy Van Slyke Blenke struggled during seasonal transitions, she learned to embrace the unpredictability of parenthood and to surrender to God for support. 

The transition from the end of the school year to summer, then summer camps to new sports, and finally summer chaos to attempted structure as the school year approaches brings apprehension and anxiety to my heart and brain as I try to conceptualize and make room for new seasons and approaching change.  

Before having children and managing the mighty extra load of beating hearts, I thrived on structure, routine, and putting my self-care first to reduce stress and maintain my general well-being and mental health.  

After I became a mom, my idea of stability and planning was upended. God had different ideas for me, and my journey here on Earth quickly became full as I rapidly gained responsibility: my career shifted, I got married, my husband’s job relocated, and we started a family. Now, with four children, a spouse who has a demanding work schedule, and my own work schedule to manage, I have attempted — never perfectly — to let go of my young-adult single mentality, and instead made room for the vulnerability to accept the uncertainty of parenthood and constant stewardship, by turning my will over to God.  

Searching For Someone to Tell Me I’m Doing It the Right Way  

The seasonal shifts of struggling to manage everything — the constantly changing schedules, the communications from schools about each child and their enrollments, payments, and other details, plus the responsibility of replying to notifications and managing finances, housework and home maintenance — eventually feels like it might combust. I find myself searching for the final and correct answer for anything, or for someone, really anyone, to tell me that I am doing it “the right way” as a mom and family manager.  

Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7) 

Shifting My Will Outside Myself  

Every time, I come to realize, very slowly and with a lot of discomfort and growth along the way, that there is no one correct path in parenthood, and there will most likely not be someone to reassure me that I am doing things right. When I shift my will outside myself and upward to God and begin to pray about my worries and gave thanks of gratitude for a full life, I pull back my need for control and accept that most all of us are doing the best we can, and choose to lean into the small moments of happiness amidst the chaos, even though it might be scary and uncomfortable along the way. 

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Copyright 2025 Cassidy Van Slyke Blenke
Images: Canva