Seasons...
I've been wrestling with God lately.
When I talk with most parents, they can hardly remember life before kids. It's true. I had my first child when I was 23 years old. I had a lot of life experiences before that time, but the memories are blurry! If I recall, it was all about me.
Then, when I got married and had a child right before my first anniversary, my life was all about my husband and daughter, then my son 13-1/2 months later. Life took on a new meaning. It was all about my family. I rarely thought about my needs. When my husband left for another woman I swore he could take anything ...except my children. As a result, I think I was overly attached to them. I'd probably be that way anyway, but I felt badly for them having their family torn apart. I felt it was my responsibility to give them the security every child deserves.
God caught my attention through my divorce. He showed me He could be trusted when everything else was crumbling. For that I am forever grateful!
My second child moved out of the state one week ago. I'm very happy they both felt confident enough to live on their own! In some ways, I feel my job is over. Well, I should say, my role is different. I loved every minute of being a mom!
When I look at my life in seasons, I had 23 years before kids, 23 years with kids and now God knows what He has in store for these next 23 years. I find comfort in the fact that He will never change. He'll be by my side throughout this next season where my focus needs to be on Him... and my husband. I admit I have been too preoccupied with my kids to give my husband the kind of love he deserves. I know I was supposed to make him my #1 relationship on earth, but when there are kids from a previous marriage, it's very difficult to do. At least it was for this mom. It's time to surrender my life to God again, to stop kicking and screaming and clinging to this past season and enjoy whatever comes next. I'm excited and feel His peace as I write this post.
So... my next Scripture memory verse is this:
"There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:" (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
Love,
Angie xoxo
8 comments:
one of my favorite songs!!!
my mom has said that being the mom of adult children is the most fun. since the role changes some it just makes the relationship a bit different. you'll always be a fantastic mom to your kids.
i pray that you and lincoln enjoy this new stage in your life. i pray that God would bless you both in incredible ways.
love ya,
sheryl
Sweet Angie,
What a terrific job you have done with the precious souls God entrusted to your care. You have nurtered them and taught them how to live. You have given them the strength to believe that they can try new things and forge new paths. And, that is what we are supposed to do. You will take on a new role, but it will be just as important...just not as demanding. It's interesting, too. Just watch how many times they check back in with you to be sure they are 'doing things right'.
Enjoy this time...and REST!
Beautiful scripture choice, Ang! And a very meaningful one for me also.
Blessings
Michelle
I can so relate to this whole season thing, especially as we enter Jonathan's senior year in less than two weeks. The things that have always defined "me" will define who I am no more. And that's hard to take sometimes. Even as seasons change,though, He will remain the same. And that's something I can cling to.
If you have a moment, would you mind praying for Jonathan? We are having some huge struggles at our house lately. I appreciate it!
love you, girl.
karen
Beautifully said! I find myself going through this "season" thing kicking and screaming at times and it is not pretty. I am thankful for His faithfulness when I am behaving in such a manner.
Beautiful post, Angie! I can relate as C left on Thursday for Philadelphia. We are now officially a coast to coast family. I am also happy that they both confidently struck out on their own following what God placed in their hearts. Exciting to think about the purpose God has for us in this season isn't it?
love & blessings!
This is a great reminder and beautiful verse--one of the few I remember my dad quoting so it holds another dimension of meaning. One of my friends' favorite verses in the Bible is "And it came to pass..." She always adds that she is most grateful it doesn't say, "And it came to stay." Many seasons we wish would end sooner, but the biggest joys of my life have been the kids' 'growing up" season. You sound like you really have come to a sweet place with all of it. Love you, Annette
You've done a great job - now rest and enjoy the new season.
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