Summer’s Over, Almost…

It’s that time of year when I pick up where I left off in May. Not really sure if I am every ready to pick it all back up again. When summer arrives, I let everything go. And I mean everything, which is why you haven’t heard from me. What is your approach to summer? What is your approach to Fall?

When my teenagers were under 4, summer was just a continuation of the daily grind, but without any pre-school or other activities. It was really tiring for me, it’s a lot of work having small children, ALL year long. You know what I mean. I have a friend who is a mother of 4 almost grown children. I will never forget her sunny outlook. It was ALWAYS sunny. If you asked me how I was doing when I had babies at home, working 40+ hours/week, traveling husband, etc., you probably would have seen a nice grimace and heard a few complaints about the current state of my life. Wasn’t this what I always wanted? Isn’t it the dream of every girl to marry her Prince Charming and have a family? For many, yes, and do we do it without complaining?

Back to my “sunny” friend. She had a lot more to complain about than me, yet every time you see her she is smiling and thankful. Was she born this way? Did I miss a gene? Amid crises after crises she is smiling and loving her family. She always has something nice to say. Even about her children.

Now that all my children are potty trained and can swim, summer is so much easier. I begin to look forward to summer around Christmas time. I love that I don’t have to get up at 6 AM or drive in the Houston traffic. I love that we don’t have to do anything unless we really want to. I love that each girl can sleep in and I get to see their beautiful, rested faces each morning. I savor every moment with them, especially now that we have our first senior in high school. The year before she turned 16, she had a countdown going on her phone until her birthday. I wonder if she is counting down the days until she goes to college………….

I wish now that I had savored those young days a little more. But I am thankful for my friend who turned my attitude around with hers. God used her in a mighty way. Do you need an attitude adjustment? It’s funny how God uses people. Do you see Him using people in your life to refine you, to make you more like Him, to help you raise your children in a Godly manner, to help you love and serve your husband?(no sighs, just smiles:)))) He has quite a strategic plan. Are you willing to take a moment and think about what He is doing in your life? Can you settle down with my summer attitude for just a second and ponder what He has on tap for the Fall? If you feel like maybe you lost some time with them because of fast-paced living, know that it can still be turned around. God is our Redeemer, He has the power to buy back the time and to multiply time and to make time stand still. He is the God who is able to recover all we have lost.
He is the LIVING GOD!

I’ll be honest, I don’t like it when the girls go back to school. It’s the same thing, every day, homework, tests, blah blah blah and less face time for me. Structure is good, I know that and school is good. After Part 1 of the dream came true (marrying the man of your dreams), Part 2 comes along and we spend a lot of time shuffling them around. What I am trying to say is, don’t wish them away or overschedule them when they are young. Enjoy. Enjoy. Enjoy every moment with them, even the difficult ones. God never said life would be easy. We are blessed by Him and we have Him to help us through the things we asked for. You do remember wanting these things, don’t you? Someone said to me today that it is MOMENT by MOMENT with some children, not day by day. How true is that.

Whatever you may be facing today with a child or a loved one, ask for God’s wisdom and understanding. James 1:5 says If any of you lack wisdom, you should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given to you. He is such a wealth of knowledge for us and His Word offers the most valuable insight. There are many things I don’t understand when a curve ball comes my way, but knowing that I can lean on His understanding, not mine, provides the comfort I need. Plus, a hug from my Prince Charming is nice too!

Lean not on your own understanding but in all ways acknowledge Him. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Proverbs 3:5