Reflections

This week I have had some reflective moments where I have sort of stepped back and watched, really watched  my children.  I am seeing now more than ever just how rapidly time is going by.  As our homeschool journey with our oldest is getting close to only having three more years left, I am trying to savor more the journey with the others, knowing their highschool time is coming.  I know that at times what feels like yesterday, our oldest was doing these "hands on" activities his younger siblings are still enjoying.  We were making Resurrection Rolls at Easter, painting crosses, and working on coloring pages during Bible time when he was younger, just as we still are today.  But now, for Trey, his days are filled with Honors classes and harder work and then his lawn care business.  Such a different season we are now entering with him, yet still in the midst of the "younger" season with his other siblings.  I watch Rebekah, who is almost 10, and know that in just a few, very short years she will be in highschool also, and her days will look differently.  And then eagerly Jonathan reminded me today that on his next birthday (which is not until September :), he will be 13, and then 14, and then 15 after that!

But, this week, this day, I reflect on four younger siblings playing outside, catching caterpillars, playing school after a full day of school :), jumping on the trampoline, watching skinks scamper up the front of our house.  I am filled with gratitude, even amidst bickering, that they want to have adventures together.  When one of them asked this morning, "Why doesn't Trey ever want to play anymore?," another reminded her this afternoon when he brought a bunny home for them, "You see, Trey is still fun." :)  It made me smile that big brother would still think of them and how much happiness a baby bunny found alive in the road would bring those younger siblings (even though we did return it at dusk to try to find its nest, it provided a few hours of utter joy to get to pet a precious baby bunny :).

My prayers started changing over the last few months for God to help me love and see my children as He does.  Many days I still mess up and get frustrated and impatient. But, gradually, I am starting to feel a difference in my attitudes.  I am starting to hear a small voice reminding me of time, rapid time.  The same voice is reminding me, smile more, stress less.  This journey can be so hard, but at the same time beautiful, because He, the creator of our world, is listening to my prayers and helping me along this journey.

Happy Blessed Easter, Friends!

By His Grace,