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When we moved into this house, I mused to my children, “See that tiny aspen tree in front of the house? Someday, it will be tall and filled with shimmering leaves that will delight us to our tiptoes. And we will watch it turn golden and its leaves will slowly dance down as snow falling upon our grass. Then we will be amazed at its beauty, how it grew through all the years.”
I still had a teenager in my home them and young 20’s children. Now all are adults who have forayed into the world of writing, speaking, teaching in places far from home. Eighteen years passed in the blink of an eye. Just like the years my children and I sat in my living room with each season, delighted at the beauty. My children grew, changed, found their own seasons of beauty and growth as they went into the world.
As a young mama, I never knew how deeply connected and loved I would feel with these, now my deepest, best friends, grown up. I do miss them every single day. I wish they were sitting with me in my living room once again. I didn’t understand how beautiful God’s design for family, that it would be the place that held us, shaped us, defined us, grew us into a tight community.
Recently, 2 children and a daughter-in-law sipped tea, listened to the music, watched our leaves gently dance to the ground as the breezes played with the delicate pieces of gold. Now I know the seasons pass swiftly, I cherish every minute I have with my precious ones, and thank God for all the years, what He was weaving into my life as the greatest blessing I would experience here on earth—belonging to my people, being safe in their friendship.
I wish I had known not to waste the day of small things when our friendship was being formed, the days of singing them to sleep, of reading stories together, of feasting on home-cooked meals, of sharing the birthdays, Christmases, tea times and talks.
Today, sweet mama, you are building a gift of love for yourself that will bless you your whole life. Cherish this season with your precious ones, cultivate some delightful moments that will fill your heart and theirs. Watch it grow into something beautiful.