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.

Goin' Fishing

Theme for March:  Rest. Rejuvenate. Recharge
Verse:

"I'm going out to fish."

John 21: 3a

Mom's Musing:
Unsettled. Undecided. Unknown. For my personality,  un places are really hard. I like living in the Non-Un spots-preferring the expected predictable locations.My family is in a waiting place for many big things: school decisions, employment, potential moves, a book contract... it feels like running in place. Lots of energy is expended-going nowhere.
Resting, rejuvenating, and recharging are all needed when hovering over life's ever changing direction. As moms and dads we have all noticed change can bring good things but the moments leading up to the change is where the struggle is most intense. Exhaustion sets in, the world feels heavy.
How do we come to Jesus to get the rest he promises when we are weary? We pray, we read,we seek his face. We camp on His promise of rest. And...we trust.
I love to go running and hiking. These activities refresh my soul, my outlook, my attitude. My best companion for those times is Murphy, my labradoodle. He keeps me company while I talk to God. Murphy's zest for going on a w-a-l-k gives me joy. It reminds me of the simple normal pleasures in the mix of complicated,looming change.
Maybe this is why Peter and the guys went fishing after the crucifixion. They didn't know what to do- frightened by the immediate past, feeling a sense of loss in the present, not knowing what the future held they returned to what they knew. Peace in the familiar. Catching (or not catching) fish was like eating comfort food or putting on an old pair of sweats to the former fisherman. Then Jesus showed up and even made lunch. (See John 21) After this, Peter got his next assignment.

Parenting Tip: When you or your child feel as if change is occurring but there is no immediate direction- find joy in doing a "comfort" activity to receive God's rest. Pray. Teach your child to pray. Lay it all out before Him who holds time in his hand- having the expectation and hope, clarity is coming.

Seasons of Life

Theme for September: Plans

Verse:

"There is hope for your future." Jeremiah 31:17

Mom's Musing:
Yesterday I went for a hike with a good friend. The first part of the trek was a pretty steep incline. We both needed to stop to take in some oxygen and sip some water.When we got to summit of the foothill we rested. We took time to enjoy the view and feel the combination of sun and the light breeze on our skin. I noticed a little crispness in the air. There was no mistaking the smell of moisture. Fall is coming. School has begun. I felt a little sad.
Change is hard for me. Time doesn't stand still. Two of my kids are off at college, another is in school and working, and the youngest has just begun her senior year of high school. I attended my last "Back to School Night". How did it happen so fast?
Rather than lament, I want to be present in the present, looking forward with hopeful anticipation. This Labor Day weekend there will be six of us celebrating together. But not our typical gang. Our youngest has invited three friends to join us this weekend. When I look at the kitchen table, each chair will still be filled but with a different collection of kids. I want to enjoy the moment rather than miss what was. Trusting the future will hold good things too, just different ones. 

Parenting Tip: Enjoy the moments while going through the days.