Today is a new day, a new chapter in my kids’ lives, a new chapter in mine. School started at 7:45 this morning. Hannah is officially a 7th grader and Justin, a junior in high school. Where did time go? Summer is spent and gone. Only memories connect us with those precious, lazy days. I hope we spent them well.
So far I’ve spent the morning cleaning while listening to music and online sermons. I put off any deep cleaning until now for good reason. Summer just wasn’t the right time. However today seems right because when I clean, I often do my best thinking and praying.
I need time to process this change and be alone with God. In some ways, I’m eager to get a routine going again because I can get really comfortable sleeping in. 🙂 However, I’m excited to watch Justin play football under the big lights and for Hannah to learn ballet. (She’s taking two dance classes this year instead of her typical one.)
I also feel a sense of loss because I will miss my kids. And I struggle because I rebel against the busyness of our culture. It seems schools puts so much pressure on students(and families) with every day practices. The hard part is I value creative down time and solitude and family meals together almost more than practice, so it is a real test for me. I always go back to what matters most. And in my eyes, it’s not being gone from morning until night.
The reality is I’m being brought to a new chapter of life as my kids grow more independent. A chapter full of hope and possibilities and even fears. For the past 12 years, I’ve been a stay at home mom. Sure, I’ve had part-time work writing and speaking but my main job is caring for my family. This chapter of my life is slowly changing scenes, I can feel it. My kids are maturing and time is turning another page. I must go with the changes because I know GOD GOES WITH ME! He writes the chapters of my life. He has a time and season for everything. And above all, He is good!
To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born,
And a time to die;
A time to plant,
And a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill,
And a time to heal;
A time to break down,
And a time to build up;
A time to weep,
And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,
And a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones,
And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace,
And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to gain,
And a time to lose;
A time to keep,
And a time to throw away;
A time to tear,
And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence,
And a time to speak;
A time to love,
And a time to hate;
A time of war,
And a time of peace.
What profit has the worker from that in which he labors? I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 (NKJV)
I’d appreciate your prayer about managing my time this fall. I don’t want to waste a minute of it.
And I’d love to know where God is leading you during this chapter of your life! Please post your thoughts. I always enjoy reading your comments.
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(pic: one of my books, taken today)
What a bittersweet time for you. I know Jesus will walk you through all this. Just relay on Him.
Oh, Tiffany, I remember so well when my 36 yr. old first went to preschool, and my heart broke. When he got married and moved out, I was lost. There are many more "releases" coming, but with each one, YOU are the one growing up! Remembering that you are a child, and you still have a Father that sees you as His little girl, will show His pattern…just as He has to release us to make our own decisions and mistakes, so we must do with our own children. It's part of life, and a very good part. You are gaining more time for your own pursuits, and God in His wisdom is allowing you to do in increments, so you can adjust. At least, that's the way I see it, in looking back. Hind sight is truly revealing, and freeing! From what I see of you via your blog, I have no doubt you will not be wasting any minutes…time in quiet silence and prayer is most productive! Bless you in your walk through motherhood! Mary
Yes, times are changing, but honestly the kids will need you more now than ever. As they grow and mature they need you in a different way. Having raised 5 (all grown but one), I can honestly say the years our kids needed me the most were their teenage years.
Blessings on your journey, andrea
PS: prayer request at arise 2 write
Thanks for this post. My daughter is starting preschool this year and my husband thinks I'm a little strange for feeling sad about it when she'll only be at school two mornings each week. I guess it just reminds me that time is slipping away and I want to make the most of it.
I will be praying for you.
I hope that despite busy schedules, you can still have a rich family time. I think that you are right in that it is a treasure far beyond practices.
Tiffany,
You know I consider myself a work in project kinda girl. I used to have things planned right down to wake ups and good nights but I saw things don't always work out according to schedule.
So I have tossed my weekly planner out the window, and go more with a day to day kinda thing unless there is meetings for school or sports to attend to.
I just wake up and wait for God to work a plan into my day for me. This was I am always ready for last minute changes.
Our kids begin next week so we will see if the blogging world quiets down quite a bit.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
Tiffany, Rachel started her 1st day of high school today as a freshmen, only half a day. But everyone else starts tomorrow. I know what you mean about times changing. I actually am feeling that way some myself and I still have a baby at home. God is doing something is us mommies, I think. I am open to whatever it is Lord.
Thanks for sharing your heart here today,
Christy
I think all of your feelings are normal and valid. As mothers and women, we share in one another's lives life a basket weave. It's how GOD made us. We give life that extra goodness! Your kids will always be "your kids" even when they move out, get married and start their own families. One day at a time is all you can hope for and one moment at a time is an even greater gift! Always praying for you and knowing that the Lord is first in your life, keeps me coming back (smile)
Love and hugs
China
I read Solomon's words today too. We were on the same page.
This went through my mind today:
Something old, Something new, Something borrowed, Something Blue
And I wasn't thinking about weddings. It's time for something new Tiffany. I pray God makes our new clear. My daughter got glasses for driving today. I prayed that she would see clearly physically and spiritually. I believe as you walk things will become clear.
Isn't that interesting I was reading what you were posting? B
You have my love and prayers dear friend.
I agree. Where does the time go. With my son starting middle school and my daughter starting high school I, too, am entering a new season as a mom.
Thanks for the perspective from Ecclesiastes.
Blessings,
Kelli
I stand in prayer for you dear sister. I understand…my last at home is a junior in high school this year and the winds are shifting in a new direction and I'm determined to enjoy the journey, lean on the LORD and love on my family.
We'll pray for each other.
Love ya.
The seasons of life… yea, I hear ya..
I too have a junior and a 7th grader, with a 9th grader sandwiched in between… I will start my 18 year of home schooling… hard to believe.
I still can't get over that one child has moved over in your neck of the woods and another is getting married in a little over 6 weeks.
Yep. something's on the horizon.. what I don't really know.
Needed to read that verse this morning. School is just around the corner for us.
I will say a prayer for you.
~ Wendy
You remind me of ME!
Melanie@Bella~Mella
Wow Tiffany… this post came at the most opportune time for me.
My new chapter is about God saving my marriage miraculously.
I'm still working through everything that happened. But, I'm almost ready to write a blog post. I think maybe tomorrow it will come.
Lord, praise Your Holy Name.
Thank you for sharing this scripture.. I truly needed to be reminded of this today!
I will be praying for you sweet friend! That God would guide every single minute of your time, that you would be available for His plans and purposes only, and that His agenda would become your agenda. I know you hear His voice, I will pray that you will quickly and boldly follow…
Our new chapter is homeschooling! It is going great, I just posted about it a few moments ago.
Blessings!
We feel what you feel! Our youngest starts tomorrow – she'll be a junior. Our college daughter leaves Friday to go to Arkansas (12 hours away). But we rejoice that they are healthy and are living for God.
Transition time … one door closing but another opening. We'll pray for your time this fall, and I need to do a lot of that for my own use of time as well! Good post.
You are so beautiful! A true woman of God…one I so want to continue to journey through life with…your 'realness' brings me to stand before my Jesus…thank you!