6.19.2026 - Katie Van Koevering

This week’s devotions are written by Katie Van Koevering. Katie lives in West Michigan with her husband and three sons. Katie works in the Athletics Department at Unity Christian High School and serves as a leader on the worship team at Covenant Life Church in Grand Haven, MI.  

Read Philippians 2:14-18

Our family grew by one with the birth of our son, Beckett, in April. Welcoming Beck to our family has been an indescribable gift and even though he’s been around for a short time, we can’t imagine life without him. We have already enjoyed sweet, peaceful moments as a family of 5 that I treasure because, as I’m often told, time with young kids goes way too fast. There are, however, moments with 3 small boys that are far from harmonious. Life with a newborn means a lot of change for everyone and change is not always easy to navigate. Less attention from mom and dad leads to meltdowns for our two older boys. Lack of sleep leads to tension over issues that would typically be navigated easily. General chaos is the norm in our home as we try to maintain routine and structure. In the challenging moments, one can quickly zoom in on the negative. To only see the smaller picture and feel overwhelmed by it. During long days where things don’t seem to be going right, choosing to grumble and complain is the easy choice. And when one person chooses to complain, the negativity spreads quickly. It is disruptive and causes friction, which leads to arguments and division. The Philippians needed this reminder in Paul’s absence. They were part of a “warped and crooked generation” and Paul was calling on them to be different. He encouraged them to remain positive and united, allowing them to “shine like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” Paul was most likely writing these words to the Philippians from prison, but he was still able to request that they “be glad and rejoice with me (Paul).” Sometimes the days are long and difficult. Sometimes, it is easy to grumble and complain. If you’ve found yourself at the end of one of those days, try to think of 3 things you are thankful for. Be specific as you think of the ways that God has blessed your life. Even in the challenges, there are always many reasons to rejoice.