As I look back, I wish I had been even more intentional about enjoying each season and celebrating the joy of having my precious ones in my home.

A friend reminded me of this once. As we talked, her eyes filled with tears. "I finally got to the point where I was enjoying my children, their home education, and all of us being together. And now it's all changing, and we will all go our separate ways, and I don't like it at all. As a matter of fact, I hate it! I am not ready, but that doesn't really matter, does it? I might as well just accept it and move on."

I have to agree with her. A difficult "move on" time for me was the transition away from the elementary school years when I had my little Clarkson Club that did everything with me. We pretty much did all of our activities together—we read our books out loud, took our walks together, and every foray into town was a group trip.

But suddenly, and with little warning, my kids began to pursue their own lives and activities, splitting up our little club and scattering us all in differing directions.

I see these seasons of change as times of resolve for me as a mother. I have learned that it is God's will for me to resolve, in my heart and spirit, to accept the seasons of my life as he brings them. If I fight against them, and resist receiving them as gifts from my gracious heavenly Father, then I will miss what God intends for me to experience from them.

I can either resolve myself to being faithful and joyful, or I can let that opportunity pass me by. If I resolve to be faithful, I will be able to celebrate all of life as God gives it to me, without regret. I have only this one life to "get it right," and I am resolved in my heart to accept each season by faith.

Read more about this in Seasons Of A Mother’s Heart.