Thursday, January 29, 2009

Seasons of Life


There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens...A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them; a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces...A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away. ~ Ecclesiastes 3 ~

I have had this verse going through my head for some time now. (Not to mention the song by The Byrd's, "Turn, turn, turn (to everything there is a season)!!)

Even more than ever, I realize that our lives are broken up into seasons. Seasons are filled with change and so are our lives. Before you know it, you are embarking on a new season. Instead of looking negatively on the current season I may be in, I need to embrace it and treat it as a gift, because it is fleeting. I have been with both of our children virtually every day of their lives and yet I am still amazed at how quickly they have grown up, as if I still missed something. No longer are we in a season of newborns and onesies, first steps and first foods, diapers and highchairs. Rather than allowing my heart to break every time I contemplate this, I choose to embrace the beauty of the learning, the chatting back and forth and their independence. The season we are in. I think this is also helpful as I address my current season of infertility. I have to remind myself that while we continue to be proactive and find solutions to it, that I also embrace the journey and realize that it is a time of waiting. Sometimes not so patiently, but waiting.

In this journey of seasons, I've also become aware of how often I negatively journey in a season. I have recognized how often my mind goes to negative thoughts that do not embrace the daily struggle, nor the vocation of wife & mother. How easily these pop up when discipline is needed with the kids, there's another spill on the floor, another day is started with early-rising children or my agenda and to-do list is not fulfilled. I probably would not even be aware of the negative effect these have on my day had I not noticed how frequently they take residence in my head. And then the startling revelation that these overflow into my words and actions as well. Am I being the gentle, kind and generous mom I am being called to be? Embarrassingly, no. Far from it. How quickly I can become bothered, annoyed and angered. How in the world does this happen? I believe that if I am letting my emotions decide my response, the first reaction I give, will indeed be the one that is the least forgiving and kind. The quickest response is not always the correct response.

I see my life's seasons differently these days. I desire to live more fully in the present moment. My present season. Each one is filled with amazing blessings and gifts, waiting to be given. How much I might miss if I am not thankfully embracing each one. I strive to live life more fully as I fully live in the season!








3 comments:

  1. "There is a Season, turn, turn, turn" Now that is in my head!! Love the song.

    Beautiful post and very heartfelt! I think many of us can relate to what you've written. I know I've been there. Especially with the way I react to the kids. Yet they are the world to me.

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  2. It is really too bad that we don't live next door to each other. I think we would be best friends in no time... we could really help each other.

    ***

    On a different note, I have some questions for you!

    1) My favorite question now... tell me all about how you and Reed met, and how you fell in love.

    2) How did you choose Lily and Jonah's names? I *LOVE* them both... and what other baby namesare you dreaming of using one day?

    3) Tell me about your life growing up... where did you live? Borthers/sisters? Favorite things?

    4) How did you make the decision to homeschool?

    5) If I took you out for a birthday lunch and pedicure (as I do for my best friends here), where would you want to eat and what color would you pick for your toenails?

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a beautiful post and one I needed to read after a day of frustrations and short tempers with my kids. Thank you for the reminder to appreciate and embrace the season we are in. Sounds to me like you are doing an amazing job, I will say some prayers for your fertility to return!
    Ellen

    ReplyDelete

You're so kind for dropping me a line!

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