Savor the Seasons
By Chrystal Evans Hurst
Today I took my three boys, ages 10, 8, and 4 to Target. The oldest two had money from birthdays and grandma that was burning a hole in their pockets and I had promised them on a previous day when I was extremely tired that I would take them soon. Today was that day.
I opened the door to my mini-van so the three boys could undo their seatbelts and exit the vehicle. Gone are the days of unbuckling them from complicated car seats or placing infant carriers in the front section of the grocery cart.
We proceeded to walk into the store. I pushed no strollers, I had no babies on my hip, and I carried no diaper bag. My boys went up and down the aisles of the toy section. I stayed in the main aisle so I could keep up with all three of them at a glance. I didn’t have to worry about keeping a hand on a toddler at all times.
When it came time to check out, my older boys went up to the counter, goods in hand, and proceeded to count out their money and pay the cashier. After taking the four year old to get some water at the fountain, I turned and stood to wait for his brothers to finish their purchases. Apparently, I’m also passed the time of having hollering babies in the cart while I struggle to pay at the register.
The time is gone.
But while I can still reminisce over their baby smells and their tiny toes, I’m not super sad about watching my boys grow up. A wise “Kingdom woman” told me long ago to savor every season. And I did. Not perfectly of course, but I did make some memories cuddling, reading stories, and letting them soak in the tub until their fingers and toes were all wrinkled. And I look forward to savoring the season of watching these three boys turn into young men.
I’ve had other seasons too. Seasons of being single. Seasons of working crazy hours in the corporate world. Seasons of marriage with a traveling husband. Seasons of homeschooling. Seasons of sickness. Seasons of baking bread and seasons of eating out way too much.
And all of the seasons are good.
Each season in its own right can be enjoyed, can be valued, and can share a lesson to be learned and carried forward into the season that comes after. But it’s up to me to savor the season I’m in – while I’m walking through it.
One day I will look back on my three boys just like I look back on days gone by with my two daughters, now ages 21 and 17. I’ve learned that every season is worth my presence and that every season doesn’t last forever. The days are long but the years are short. Make the most of today. Make the most of your season.
Can I encourage you today to savor your season? While you may adore your season, it will end. You may abhor your season. It will end too. However, the joys and pains will each make you a better person if you will allow them. The good and the bad can work together to make you a woman well-fitted for the King. Our God let’s nothing go to waste. He uses everything for our good and for His glory.
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. He has made everything beautiful in its time…. Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 11(ESV)
Kingdom Woman
By Tony Evans & Chrystal Evans Hurst
Tyndale House Publishers
“While many women are enjoying this day and age when we have so many opportunities never before available to our gender, other women are crumbling under the pressure to do all and be all in the light of the options available to us. This book is about the wonderful possibilities that emerge when you align yourself with the dreams that God has in mind for you.
—Chrystal Evans Hurst, on Kingdom Woman
About “Kingdom Woman”:
Kingdom Man was such a success, that women were asking for “their” book--Kingdom Woman is a book of empowerment for women. Chrystal gives frank, authentic, real-life perspective to punctuate her father, Tony’s, biblically inspired teaching.
In Kingdom Woman, Tony Evans and his daughter, Chrystal Evans Hurst, remind women of their calling from God to be free, delivered, healed, and to have hope. The authors bring insight that encourages women to correct distorted perceptions and understand who they really are—never settling for less when connected with the One who gives them hope. All believers are covered by God’s covenant with Abraham. Evans and Hurst want women to know these rights and confidently claim and live by them. The new covenant offer more than a life of mediocrity.
Chrystal Evans Hurst:
@ChrystalHurst
Chrystal Evans Hurst is a gifted writer, speaker, and worship leader. Being the eldest child of Dr. Tony and Lois Evans, the Word of God has surrounded and guided her for her entire life. As a member of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, Chrystal assists her mom, Lois, in leading the women’s ministry and loves to encourage women toward a deeper relationship with the Lord. Her blog—Chrystal’s Chronicles—poignantly reflects her thoughts about her faith and day-to-day experiences. Most importantly, Chrystal is a dedicated wife and homeschooling mother of five.
Chrystal Hurst is writer, speaker, and worship leader in addition to serving as the chief executive operating officer in her home as a wife and mother of five. Chrystal is co-author of the recent release, Kingdom Woman and also blogs regularly at chrystalevanshurst.com.blog
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