Seasons
That’s the word that comes to mind this time of year.
Oh, how tempting it is to try to avoid change—to hold off time. But try as we may, time keeps marching on. And when we resist it, we risk missing the very life we’ve been given to live. Do you know what I mean?
When snow and ice have us trapped inside, we long for summer. Then summer comes, and we’re dripping with sweat, watching the yard dry up. And in those long, hot days, we start dreaming of boots and sweatshirts again.
How often do we miss the moments unfolding right in front of us—especially in the lives of our children—because we’re either wishing we could go back or asking God to fast-forward?
You know my love of words. If I sit with a word long enough, I must dig deeper and see what God might reveal.
When I looked up the word season, something fascinating surfaced: it literally means that which comes or arrives.
That’s it.
I realized I’ve often thought of seasons as things that pass. But by definition, a season is something that arrives.
That shift may seem small, but it changes everything.
If I’m clinging to the past or wishing a season would last longer, how can I fully receive what has already come? How can I embrace it—much less celebrate it?
And if God is the One who sets the seasons, that truth becomes even more significant.
Do I really want to hold onto what was when God has ushered in something new?
I think not.
I remember sitting in the audience watching my oldest daughter graduate from college. The moment went beyond the “empty nest” feeling—she was stepping into a nest of her own.
As the graduates entered the coliseum in their caps and gowns, the familiar processional music filled the room. I found myself thinking, “How many times have I sat through this song with tears streaming down my face? “
I could still see her as a kindergartener, eyes scanning the crowd to find me, unsure if she even wanted to participate. Then came 5th grade, 8th grade, high school. The same heart tugs followed with her brother and sister.
That day marked the 13th time I had heard that song played for one of my children—each note marking a new season.
Ugh… and wow.
Here’s the thing: if I had sat there wishing she were still in kindergarten, my tears would have blurred what God wanted me to see.
Instead, He gave me a clear glimpse of her face—bright, confident, full of anticipation. Those big blue eyes were shining with excitement for what lay ahead. And when she found us in the crowd, she was beaming.
That moment was a gift.
I’m still learning to embrace what has arrived and to look forward instead of back.
I love being a mom. I loved having my kids at home. I don’t just love my children—I genuinely like them. But hope looks forward. Regret looks back.
And God is a God of hope.
So, I trust Him with the next season—and His good plans.
Something else worth noting: a season is also defined as a time of some continuance, but not long.
Seasons aren’t long, mamas and daddies.
They may feel long in the moment, but God reminds us not to live by feelings.
So let me encourage you—especially in this month of May, as so many things are coming to an end:
A new season has arrived.
The end of the school year means something new has come. Embrace it, mama—it won’t last long. Be present, dad—these moments are the ones that become the memories you’ll one day treasure.
As tassels are turned and backpacks are emptied for the last time, pause.
Thank God for the season He gave you.
And while you’re at it, thank Him for the one that has arrived.
Because he has good plans.
Parent Resources
This week, I’m including a few ideas to help you prepare for the summer months. Start by helping your children create their own "Life List.” A “Life List” is simply a bucket list with a built-in lesson. Help your children understand that the ideas they want to explore and the dreams they want to experience are indicators of who God designed them to be and what makes them unique. Dreams are worth hard work, risk, and patient persistence because they will produce LIFE! When we know what our children dream of, we learn how to encourage and support the work to make those dreams come true!
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