Seasons - they are a changin'

Here comes fall. One of my most favorite times of the year. The colors of fall complement my home colors and I decorate to the hilt in fall. This year, it has been more difficult to find the time to decorate. I have had to steal a few minutes here and there to put up decorations. I work outside of the home part-time and the other days, I have two additional students. I look up and it is 5:00 p.m. and they are about to go home. Where did the day go? It was spent pleasantly reading with students, grading math, laughing at comments made over card games, walking in the garden and making trips to the local rock shop. However, supper wasn't started and now I have to rush around to put it together lickity-split like. Hunger grabs teenage boys hard and they are often stalking me in the kitchen asking "What's for supper? I'm very hungry." I'll miss that when they are gone.

I love this season in my life. It changed without warning. There is no greater blessing than walking in the path He has laid out before us. Exhausting? Yes! Boring? No way! I know that while this season is busy, it won't last forever. It will change just as suddenly as it started. I am determined to enjoy every second of it. To cherish the funny laugh of my 1st grade student as he wins yet another Uno card game.  "That was a good game!" I wonder if he will remember those many years he spent at my kitchen table? I hold them in my heart.

I love watching my reluctant Freshman student grow and realize what he is capable of. He makes insightful comments without even trying. I don't want him to shortchange himself in life just because all the peers around him do so. He has great potential. I only have a short time to convince him of this.

My oldest son is in college, has a car and a job. I only get glimpses of him now. He has set up his laptop computer in the kitchen. We have great conversations between video games and college homework assignments. He recently discovered the electric guitar and we are treated to solo rifts daily. This kid taught himself to play guitar, piano, ocarina, and now electric guitar. Why do they turn into such interesting people and then leave????!!!

My youngest son is a Sophomore in High School. He is my science and computer guy. He recently announced that he is interested in something in the medical field. Well, that sounds great to me! "I'm thinking about being a field medic mom?" Uh, what? "How about a nice quiet doctor's office in town son?" "No, I want to be where the action is Mom." "People will be shooting at you while you are trying to practice medicine son." "Mmmm hmmm" Lord, help me!

Take time and enjoy the season in life where you are no matter how hard it is. Don't wish it away. One day you will miss those days!