Seasons

What do most of us think of when we think of seasons?  I know I think of change.  The change in weather.  The change in clothing options.  The change in pace of life (ie. school is back in session, or summer activities are everywhere).  I think it is safe to say that seasons are pretty much synonymous with change.  Now for the tough part.  The changing of the seasons isn't always welcomed.  Sometimes its because we dread what we know is already to come, and sometimes its because we just love the season we are in so much we don't want to have to shift gears.  
Although, I hope sometimes we really look forward to a change in season.  You hear this most times in regards to the weather....haha!  "Ugh, I am so ready for fall!  It's so hot."  or "I am so over the cold!  Can't it be summer already?"  But then there are those golden times in the year that its just the perfect time.  Usually its in the spring or fall, and its those days that the temperature is comfortable, the mosquitoes aren't annoying, and the clouds provide just the perfect amount of shade to sun ratio.
Well I say all this to lay a foundation of how we, parents, look at the changing seasons of our children's lives.  Each season of their lives comes unexpectedly and sometimes it is welcomed, but other times it just blindsides us.  I am sure we can tell the season may be on the precipice of change, but we are never quite "prepared" when it does.  The realization I have come to with a now almost 5 year old, an almost 2 year old and one set to arrive in December is that there is no such thing as preparation, but there is acceptance that the seasons WILL inevitably change.  And how lucky are we!  To have front row seats to the changing seasons of our childrens lives.
Just like I mentioned above, sometimes we dread it and sometimes we are just so in love with where we are at in the moment we are in.  But we, parents, have to be willing to get outside of ourselves and be open to the change.  Not just for kiddos, but also for ourselves.  I think you will be amazingly surprised at what goodness is waiting for you in the changing seasons.
I have found along the way, that in life, our best lessons can come from those whose lives are changing by the moment.  Those little people that everyday are learning something new.  Don't get so caught up in your routine that you miss all these little changes.  And be ready to embrace them and see how you can help grow their new found interests and passions.  
I recently read that the ultimate goal in a spirit filled, God led life is to rid ourselves of our own subconscious and find and live out our days with a childlike perspective.  Ie. living a life without judgement, guilt, jealousy, and all the other complicated emotions that come with getting older.  I mean isn't that the easiest way to follow the #1 commandment, "Love first!"  I am definitely simplifying, but I think that is His point.  Reaching a childlike state as an adult hit me hard.  Life hasn't always been a cake walk.  Suffice it to say, I have been through more than my fair share of hardships.  But its coming back to this childlike like sense of who I am with the help of my kids showing me the way that has made all the difference in the beautiful life I lead today.