Turn, Turn, Turn

Theme for April: Change

Verse:

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven."

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Mom's Musing:

Things don't stay the same. When my kids were babies I couldn't wait for the first time each one slept through the night, said the first word, or took the first step. Now I find myself holding my breath each time a new phase in my kids' lives enters my world. Wondering what that will mean. (Of course it is all about me.) From no longer needing my hand  to cross the street to borrowing the car keys. From moving into a big kid bed to moving into a college dorm. Change. Different. Inevitable.

When we brought our oldest child to college there was a mixture of excitement, anticipation, and fear. Did Tom and I equip her with the practical life skills she will need? Will she make good friends? Will she be able to hold firm to her faith and values without daily, physical family support?  What will happen when she's tempted by... well...temptation? When will this hole in my heart and lump in my throat go away?

We have moved three of our four kids to college. The wounded heart reopens and the lump returns with each departure. The questions and uncertainty resurface. (While writing this tears are stinging my eyes and I'm asking, "Where are the tissues?")  Change in life's circumstances requires an altered response.

A friend of mine has sent her two boys off to school. With a few tears and a wave she readjusts then redecorates. Her boys' bedrooms now function as a workout room and guest room. She knew the rooms at my home still look the same (only neater than when occupied daily).

What I am learning is each family deals with change differently. Some slowly, others rapidly. Neither way is wrong. But no matter a new normal changes day to day living. So whether your child is going to be going off to Kindergarten or to college next year, adjustment will be part of the menu.


Parenting Tip: The best tip I could pass along is to make sure you have a life too- a life that doesn't only revolve around your kids. Spend time with your spouse and friends. Continue to build those relationships and grow your faith as you raise your children.