As I sat a preschooler’s birthday party today and listened to children crying because it was nap time and watched as parents negotiated as to who would be in the pool with the kids, it reminded me of a recent day at the park. It was at that park that I observed nearly 20 young moms wanting desperately to talk to one another and yet having to chase after thier little ones. I could see the look on their faces and hear in their voice the exasperation at being needed so much.
It was at that park and again today that God spoke to me and said,
Ecclesiates 3:1
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.”
He said, “Remember those days? Remember that was was like? Remember thinking that surely you would die from being needed so much? I sustained you, didn’t I?”
I replied, “Yep, I sure do remember those days really clearly, Lord, and You are right, You did sustain me.”
He said, “I want you to keep each season fresh in your mind and I want you to encourage those mommies I give you contact with. I want you to give them perspective and remind them that what they are experiencing is merely a season. They feel like they will be in this place forever and yet you are evidence that a new season will come.”
He was right (Of course He was right, He is God!). As I sat at that park and as I sat at that party, I could sit back and allow my children to roam freely. I didn’t have to worry about them like I used to. I didn’t have to help them get their food, help them in the bathroom, nor did I have to deal with a melt down due to it being nap time. Ya know what? I DO remember those days clearly and I really never thought I’d make it here…where I can relax a bit and trust my children to make wise choices on their own.
For everything there is a season. I can remember many times thinking that for sure my children would be damaged for life because of some character or activity they were into like trading Pokemon cards or being into “the dark side” from Star Wars and yet today those issues don’t really matter. Funny how I stressed over those things so much and yet today they don’t even give them a second thought and it doesn’t impact who they are. Yes, there are things worthy of my stress and attention, but yet I look back and see how much worry I wasted because I didn’t have good perspective.
Mama friend, please know this. You are doing a great job watching over the charges God has entrusted into your care, but please keep some perspective. Don’t worry so much! Relax and know that for everything there is a season. You may not feel like the season you are in is ever going to come to an end, but the reality is that it will. Before you know it, you’ll be on the other side. Your little ones will not need you forever. You will have plenty of time to yourself soon and before you know it, you’ll be reaping the harvest of your hard work as you see your children use their manners without being reminded and showing tenderness and compassion to others. You’ll be able to relax and truly enjoy them, wondering all the while what you got so uptight about!
Ecclesiates 3:1
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.”
Lift your head up, this too shall pass.
I got chills reading this! There really are so many times that I would just love to sit and talk with my friends but I am too busy keeping my children alive! Like Dorina, I do think about how precious this time is and how quickly it is flying by. It is so hard to hold on and let go at the same time! Thanks for keeping it all in perspective. (I especially appreciated the “Pokemon” comment!)
Love this reminder, friend. It is hard when you feel like you are “on duty” all time with pre-schoolers but I often remind myself to “Carpe diem” these precious moments with my girlies. I already see so much independence in them.
And thank goodness for Mama’s Night Out…