Season's Change

(Picture by Taylor Sowder Photography)

When your toddler is quiet, do you (or did you) get concerned?

One Sunday morning about 15 years ago, I got my two-year-old daughter ready for church, and then I finished getting myself ready. Realizing that she was quiet, (which for my very inquisitive child), meant I needed to find her- quickly!

It didn’t take long to see that she was standing in front of my bedroom mirror. She could barely see the mirror, but she was painting her face with my makeup. She had bright red cheeks and she had colored well outside the lines of her soft pink lips. She had made her lips, chin, and below her nose bright pink.

My first thought was, “oh no, she has it everywhere.” But to my surprise, she did not have it anywhere but on her face. She had been very meticulous in her placement.

But seasons change.

Fast forward 15 years, and I now can look at that same girl standing in front of her own bathroom mirror. She turns 18 this week, but sometimes, my mind will still catch a glimpse of that inquisitive toddler playing in mommy’s makeup.

I treasure those memories and I miss the times she would crawl into my lap for a story or reach for me to hold her. But I also love seeing the woman that she is becoming. God is turning her into the woman that she is destined to be. I love to watch this transformation.

I am realizing that as the seasons of life change, I need to treasure every single moment. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “ There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:”

My season is changing. In a few short months that little girl will be going off to college and my husband and I will find ourselves as empty nesters. Seasons are God’s way of moving us into new challenges and possibilities. A new season means that God will be working on me as well.

This movement and shift are all part of His plan. He alone knows how my story will unfold.

And who knows, this may be the best season of my life. If I don’t let go of the past I will never experience it the way He has planned. Maybe you are entering a new season of life too. Listen to God’s voice and experience this season to the fullest. Even if this is a season of turmoil or heartbreak for you, open yourself up to the possibility of blessing despite the situation.

Seasons change and this season will pass. Live every moment to the fullest.

Lord thank you for all of the memories that you have given me from every season that I have come through. Help me to see the blessings in every season. Help me to cherish every moment you have given me. And help me to look ahead with hope and excitement for the next season you have planned for me. Amen