Thriving in Every Season—Together
A Devotional By Amy Boland Hauser
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
This month, the Lord has been impressing something deeply on my heart:
the power of community and the sacred beauty of bearing one another’s burdens in love and prayer.
There was a time in my life—not long ago—when thriving looked very different than what the world would expect. Thriving wasn’t about productivity or perfection. It wasn’t about polished routines or outward success. It was about getting out of bed, putting on a bra, and taking a walk—because that was the victory of the day. And in that hard season, what carried me was the steady stream of love, prayer, and encouragement from my tribe—some near, some far, from all different walks of life.
Now, as I walk through a book study called Thriving Beyond Belief with my friend, mentor, and author, Cheryl Scruggs, I’m learning this simple but powerful truth: thriving looks different in every season. For some of us, thriving means getting the kids dressed and fed before 9am. For others, it means fighting for joy as we parent a child with special needs, navigating singleness, or balancing the chaotic demands of work and family. It might look like stewarding a marriage with grace or learning to let go as our children leave the nest.
No matter where you are—young mom, single woman, overwhelmed parent, widow, empty nester—it’s not a competition of who has it the hardest. Our “hard” may look different, but our Savior remains the same.
God sees, He knows, and He draws near.
[ So how do we respond? ]
We lean in.
We listen more.
We ask, “How can I pray for you today?”
We become burden bearers, encouragers, and truth-speakers.
Let’s not underestimate the power of a simple text, a shared meal, or a whispered prayer. When we show up for each other, we reflect the heart of Jesus.
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” – Romans 12:15 (NIV)
Thank you, Jesus, for meeting us right where we are. For reminding us that thriving isn’t about appearances—it’s about abiding. And as we abide in You, we grow together in grace, love, and strength.
Let’s Pray This Together:
Lord, thank You for designing us to walk through life in community. Teach us to carry each other’s burdens, to pray without ceasing, and to love one another with grace. Help us to see thriving not as a performance, but as a posture of trust in You—whether we are in the valley or on the mountain. Use us to lift the weary, encourage the fainthearted, and build up the body of Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.