Guest blog by Chrystal Evans Hurst
Today I took my three boys, ages 10, 8, and 4 to Target. The oldest two had money from birthdays and grandma that was burning a hole in their pockets and I had promised them on a previous day when I was extremely tired that I would take them soon. Today was that day.
I opened the door to my mini-van so the three boys could undo their seatbelts and exit the vehicle. Gone are the days of unbuckling them from complicated car seats or placing infant carriers in the front section of the grocery cart.
We proceeded to walk into the store. I pushed no strollers, I had no babies on my hip, and I carried no diaper bag. My boys went up and down the aisles of the toy section. I stayed in the main aisle so I could keep up with all three of them at a glance. I didn’t have to worry about keeping a hand on a toddler at all times.
When it came time to check out, my older boys went up to the counter, goods in hand, and proceeded to count out their money and pay the cashier. After taking the four year old to get some water at the fountain, I turned and stood to wait for his brothers to finish their purchases. Apparently, I’m also passed the time of having hollering babies in the cart while I struggle to pay at the register.
The time is gone.
But while I can still reminisce over their baby smells and their tiny toes, I’m not super sad about watching my boys grow up. A wise “Kingdom woman” told me long ago to savor every season. And I did. Not perfectly of course, but I did make some memories cuddling, reading stories, and letting them soak in the tub until their fingers and toes were all wrinkled. And I look forward to savoring the season of watching these three boys turn into young men.
I’ve had other seasons too. Seasons of being single. Seasons of working crazy hours in the corporate world. Seasons of marriage with a traveling husband. Seasons of homeschooling. Seasons of sickness. Seasons of baking bread and seasons of eating out way too much.
And all of the seasons are good.
Each season in its own right can be enjoyed, can be valued, and can share a lesson to be learned and carried forward into the season that comes after. But it’s up to me to savor the season I’m in – while I’m walking through it.
One day I will look back on my three boys just like I look back on days gone by with my two daughters, now ages 21 and 17. I’ve learned that every season is worth my presence and that every season doesn’t last forever. The days are long but the years are short. Make the most of today. Make the most of your season.
Can I encourage you today to savor your season? While you may adore your season, it will end. You may abhor your season. It will end too. However, the joys and pains will each make you a better person if you will allow them. The good and the bad can work together to make you a woman well-fitted for the King. Our God lets nothing go to waste. He uses everything for our good and for His glory.
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. He has made everything beautiful in its time…. Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 11(ESV)
The Urban Alternative
Similar Posts:
Recent Posts
You Can Make a Difference in Society | Tony Evans
I recall a time when I had some serious ant hills on my front lawn. As these ants served their queen, they built mounds on my lawn, turning a once-green lawn into a place of foreign habitation. They were building their own kingdom on my lawn, so I needed to address their presence. If I didn’t...
Explore the Book of 1 Timothy | Tony Evans
Everybody needs someone to help them navigate through their life. Timothy had the best of mentors in the apostle Paul, who wrote two letters to encourage him in his life and ministry. During his missionary journeys, Paul had left Timothy behind in Ephesus so that he could grow the ministry that...