Becoming a mother was a dream come true for Kiley Mischnick. Kiley married a little later in life. She remembered the prayers and how God answered them. The answered prayer for a wonderful husband and for a child. Her sweet son was born not long after getting married. There were more blessings with two more children. A few years into motherhood, a new prayer emerged. It was an unexpected one ... “Lord, help me. Would you send me help?” Knee deep into the throws of beautiful babies, Kiley felt adrift and lonely.
She also heard her prayer being asked by other moms. At Bible study around her table and in the quiet corners of church, moms who were eager to share and connect with one another. But, on the other hand, lacking the time because who has it?
It was at a Sunday morning gathering Kiley heard about the good gifts God gives to all of us. Her first thoughts were the gifts she lacked. But then God faithfully brought her back to His truth. The truth that God loves her. He has given her gifts to use for the good of His kingdom. She thought again and this time from love. She asked in prayer, “God what have you uniquely given to me?” She knew the next moment. It was so simple though. When she brushed the doubt away, it was even more clear. She loved to invite and connect people with others.
“I love to invite people to do stuff,” Kiley shared. “And I’ll keep asking unless they tell me they aren’t interested. I thought I should use that somehow for God. I thought of the groups of moms in my life. God put it all together after that. I started inviting these people to places they were already going with their kids. It wasn’t about a giant collection of friends but bringing them together so they could find their person(s) to go through this stage of life together.”
That was the beginning of what the moms have called Citylight Playdate. Playdates have been an organized space for moms and their children to gather a few times each month for community.
“Citylight Playdates has been so fun for me,” Kiley explained with enthusiasm. “Last month there were so many moms ... The most we’ve had. Looking around at the groups of moms chatting, my heart was singing. New friendships were forming. Seeing the toddlers running around and the moms communicating with one another while chasing kids ... Babies being held by moms who are sitting and chatting and sharing stories and encouraging one another is wonderful. It’s seeing somebody being fed and nourished. I feel like I have that now. My friendships have grown and continue to do so, and I am so thankful for these relationships. That is my hope for these moms. That each of them finds their person that they can call and go to and say, “Let’s go through this together.””
Through community and friends, God has revealed to Kiley that He is not done with her. There is and will be growth and new things, especially amid hard seasons.
“It’s been so cool now to see how God stretches me,” Kiley concluded. “I have a mom friend who has so many verses she has memorized. Seeing and hearing that has been helpful to me. I’m a better mom for my kids. It reminds me and holds me accountable in my anger to not sin. I know that being a mom is going to stretch you, but when there are other women who care about you, who listen to you, and give you scripture back, it is a huge gift. Motherhood can feel like you can connect with others more deeply and quickly. A couple of times together and you can feel like best friends.”
Whether you are a mom in a season of light or in a dark place, you are invited to one of Citylight’s Playdates. If you think there is no one out there who will understand and be there with you, stepping out into community with just a little courage could make all the difference. There are women who need you and who you need in return. Kiley described it as this,
“It doesn’t have to be the same phase, or similar situations with kids, but you still can connect on different levels. Some of my friends I wouldn’t have selected on a dating app or picked them out. But these women and I have connected enough where they are now the most uplifting and encouraging people in life. When I became a mom and didn’t know anything, they helped remind me that this is fun and it’s okay and it is healthy to have fun and relax. The moms I have fun with are not a carbon copy of me so keep an open mind. Let God do what He will do and be open.”
“I am reminded by other moms that I am not crazy and there is joy in doing life together. It is so refreshing to hear similar stories of what our kids are doing and that it’s not just me. I feel lighter.”
Whether you need to be fed in this season of motherhood or have nourishment to give, let’s be the church of Jesus for one another. It can even be this summer at a nearby park.
Join any or both Playdate groups >>>
1st/3rd Thursdays at Zorinsky at 10 am on GroupMe >> https://groupme.com/join_group/113281048/EkXEPC6I
1st Thursday at Elmwood at 10 am and 3rd Thursday at 5 pm on GroupMe >>> https://groupme.com/join_group/114639473/UD1DuENO
Love this, as I remember the encouragement I got as a young Mom long ago.