The Seasons Of Our Lives

There's something about the changing seasons that just makes me sentimental.  I think it's because it represents just that - a changing season.  Our lives next year will look nothing like our lives this year.  Circumstances change, people change.  Babies grow older, and time goes faster.

In nature each season is filled with its own special moments.  In the winter we cozy up indoors and spend time together as a family.  The spring always brings a newness of life as we eagerly head outside for carefree afternoons spent at the park.  Summer days are lazy and celebrated with birthdays, fireworks, and splashing in the pool.  Fall brings a sense of comfort as we sip on warm drinks, count our blessings, and rally behind our favorite football teams.

Each season is special in its own way, and likewise are the seasons of our lives.  Nonetheless, I struggle with letting them go - wanting to hold on to the precious moments of today.  I think that's why I'm particularity sentimental this year.  Eli could enter school next fall, and well, that changes everything. 

As I walked around snapping pictures today, I caught this moment with Eli and I was immediately taken back to 2010.  It was the first year he and I made something special of playing at the orchard on fall afternoons.  We were knee deep in the muck of sleepless nights, yet we were in the midst of writing one of the most defining chapters we've shared on this journey as mother and son.

 No sooner had I flashed back to the present moment of watching my son play while holding my baby girl in my arms, when I snapped this picture of a proud four year old jumping on the hay. 

Something about the combination of the blue sky and that blonde hair took me back to a day in 2011.  We were sharing our love for fall with my mom, my brother, and Mandi.  Eli was the center of attention as he ran through the fields, played in the bouncy house, and jumped on the hay.  It had been a long year with moments of depression from shear exhaustion, but it was a season precious as I watched my baby boy learn and grow.  A season that despite its challenges, I never wanted to end. 

Again I snapped away, turning from the past to the present and vowing to be in the moment.  Vowing to appreciate this season, and committing to making the same memories with sweet Ellie.  And there it was...

One final reminder that nothing can stay the same.  Seasons must change because we must change.  We must learn and grow.  We must immerse ourselves in the tender moments, and stand strong in the difficult ones.  We must cherish each new day because it is a gift, an opportunity to live.

The seasons will change.  My babies will grow.  Eventually we'll trade afternoons at the pumpkin patch for Friday nights at the football game, and you know what?  That's ok.  Because tucked inside the chaos of teenage drama will be tender moments of growth and love as we write yet another new chapter as a family.

I'm going to miss this season with a baby and a preschooler, but I can't wait to see what God has in store for us next! Just as each season in nature offers something unique and special, so do the seasons of our lives.