Last week I went on a field trip with Matt’s class. As I drove there, it dawned on me that this is likely the last field trip I get to volunteer for as next year he will be in Middle School.
Three kids and all the fun times as a room mom, chaperone for fields trips, etc. It is crazy how quickly it all passes.
I was grateful for the awareness as I drove there. It was a cold and rainy day and I could have complained about that but instead I shifted my thoughts to gratitude for being present and aware of this moment with Matt and his friends.
With Kate leaving in a few months for college, and Gavin heading out next year, I am growing in awareness of these “last” moments, opportunities and traditions I have beside my kids. Through the years you just get use to what you do with your kids, you don’t think ahead that there will be a change of seasons where some of what was comes to an end.
As I notice these moments, I am prayerful to remain grateful for experiencing them, and remember just because one season is ending, doesn’t mean what to come isn’t more beautiful, it will just be different.
I know those words sound good to say, and many days I believe them and feel at peace. Yet I do have moments of sadness for what was as it’s been a sweet time raising these three kids and getting to be there for simple yet treasured moments beside them, like on a field trip.
I share this with you today as time, and time beside our loved one is the most precious gift. I invite you to join me to…
pause. breathe. pray.™
May we keep our eyes and ears on God each day to help us remain in the moment, and absorb the goodness of our people and the time with them. And when we are reminded of these “lasts,” may we give thanks for what was, what is and for what is to come. Then, may we we no longer look back, or ahead, but instead pray to be in the present moment beside them, where peace, joy and gratitude will meet us and guide us each step forward.
For more encouragement, be sure to listen to this week's NEW Pause. Breathe. Pray.™ podcast episode HERE.
With love and hope,
Shawn
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
- Psalm 16:11