Seasons

The front porch called to me and my cup on coffee (heavy on the non-fat milk) after my run this morning.  It often does.  I rarely answer.  There is always work to be done, errands to be crossed off, chores around the house.

But today is the last full day of school for my five youngest troops.  In two more half days, we'll be heading into summer and my quieter days at home will end for another season.  I'm ready to have them home and enjoy some more time together.  I'll miss my quiet days alone, as well - to be honest. Between sports camps, VBS, Summer jobs, vacation in Colorado and mission trips, it won't be quiet or restful!  But it's all such a gift.

The college kids have been finished for awhile, now.  All did SO well this semester.  One off to Nashville to work for the Summer and be near his girl.  One living here and working as a nanny again, between weddings and a trip to Africa.  And our son #3, who started the semester living away and finished it back at home - with lots of driving AND straight A's.

I'm so proud of them.

I'm learning that we all have obstacles and things to overcome in life.  I've watched my troops tackle them differently.  Some with determined, careful thoughtfulness.  Others hurling themselves headlong into whatever gets in their way.  Regardless of method, they've all been over-comers this past year.  Growing in their dependence on the Lord and learning to trust Him more.  Stumbling along the way at times, but getting back up and trying again.

So Summer is upon us.  We certainly pray it's less eventful than last Summer - even with this Summer's bi-weekly labs, monthly doctors appointments, and monthly chemo infusions for our boy.  We pray that the Lord would continue to heal him - that perhaps NEXT Summer we'll see the end of this current treatment schedule, as well.

But then if we've begun to learn anything at all, it's to breathe in the moment - the day - the season.  To enjoy it all and be grateful in our circumstances.  The Coach and I are so much better at taking a deep breath and not reacting in frustration or anger.  We're laughing and hugging and saying "I love you," more.  We are feeling less guilty about staying home (ha!) and more purposeful in the time we have together.

The Coach has a habit of saying to my overwhelmed ramblings, "It'll get done."  And so often, I have been tempted to say, "Only because I will do it!"  But I find myself more often these days saying, "You're right.  It will."  And I say that because I've lived it.  Some things may be on the list from now until the rapture - and that's OK.  Other things will be accomplished in due time.  Many will be delegated to the troops or picked up by the Coach.  But what difference does any of it make, if it's all about accomplishing things and we miss the joy in each day?

So on this last full day of the 2017-2018 school year - a reminder for us to soak it all in and enjoy each moment with the people God has given you.  He'll be faithful to you and He'll be faithful to THEM.  Every day is a gift.  <3 p="">
Happy Summer!