We have been studying Ecclesiastes in Sunday School. If you ever want to be reminded of the futility of our struggles, read this book. A few weeks ago, we studied the passage about seasons - a time for everything. This idea has been such an influence on our lives lately. Being a full-time wife and mother is exhausting. Most days, I long for a break of some kind - please children, just take a nap, or at least play quietly for a little while! They are so full of energy, and I'm positive the volume in our home increases a little each day. This, too, is only a season. They will not always be so little and full of endless energy. They will not always want to sit on my lap. They will not always want to dance like silly and play house. They will not always call for Mommy when they wake up. But they will remember how I respond when they wanted to do all of those things. Did I enjoy the beautiful things about this season of life, or did I dismiss them as cumbersome, longing for a season where things are orderly, quiet, and well-suited for my selfish desires? Each season has its own joys if I just look...before I know it, those joys will be gone forever.
I recently heard a mother say, "Teach your kids about God. They won't care if the house was clean or the laundry was folded just right." When they're teachable, teach. When they're huggable, hug. And when they're loud and silly, join in their little world of joy so they remember you loving them in every season.
Lord, give me the wisdom to see the joys in every season of life. Give me the strength to enjoy each season as it quickly passes, for our lives are so fleeting compared to your Glory.