I can see the finish line. It is right here upon us, the first day back to school. This is a glorious occasion in which we enter a new sub-season within our season of parenting. I look back at the summer and the bright-eyed optimism I foresaw in late spring, and I’m asking myself, “What in the world did we do this summer?”
The highlight was, for sure, Disney, and that is in no wise discounted. The preparation, the execution, and the high afterward was memorable for years to come. But after the unpacking (ya’ll I have to be honest, I still have one suitcase sitting in the middle of my floor with clean but still unpacked things from our trip). On that note, I’ll give myself a positive affirmation encouraging myself that, “I’m a good mom!” before I spiral down the “not good enough” hole. Let’s chase that squirrel out of here and get back on topic, shall we? I’m asking myself,” What did we do this summer?”
I have other mom friends with kids and teens of varying ages, one whom is visiting colleges with her oldest. Again, where did the time go?! I remember this kid, as a kid, and it wasn’t that long ago. The Bible has a lot to say about time. Psalm 90:12 is a weighty one that comes across my path from time to time. It reads, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” I remember seeing this verse every three days a few years back, not really knowing what it meant for me. In only a short month, we made the decision to enroll our kids in school instead of continuing to homeschool. That was a great choice for our family, but the Lord was trying to show me that I never know how much time I may have. We plan our ways, but the Lord determines our steps. I didn’t realize that season of homeschooling was coming to an end.
I mentioned last week about the people-pleasing and how I have let that rob me of precious time with my family by doing things for people I don’t even like. There, I said it! I’d rather live like a hermit in my house and have everyone think I am an antisocial outcast and be sweet and kind to my family than have everyone think I am the sweetest person but have my family see a mom who brushes them off and give them the leftovers of what’s in my tank. The tables are turning. I refuse to fast forward ten years and say, “What did we do with our time?” I love in Proverbs 31 where it says “she laughs at the days to come.” This marks an assured confidence that all will turn out well with no regrets. That’s what I want. I challenge you this week, let’s redeem the time together!
