With a simple snap of the fingers everything changes.
People change, circumstances vary, families expand, job opportunities present themselves, and kids grow up way too fast.
I always say, ‘that time marches on and it’s right across our face.’ We know the changes we experience are normal, yet they seem to come at us like rapid fire.
Recently my precious husband and I spent a wonderful weekend with our two Louisiana grandgirls and our girl child and new baby grandgirl from the Metroplex.
What a blessed time we had. There was a whirlwind of activity for sure thanks to my planning skills and a bit of overcommitment, but oh how we love them and we long to have each of them here again soon.
God’s word tells us in 1 Corinthians 13:13, ‘But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.’
Things are changing for us. Our family is expanding and they are located in opposite directions. Both of our mothers are still with us at the respective ages of 83 and 97, and everyone’s schedules are busier than ever.
Still spending time with those we love is a priority. They are the focus and should take precedence over the other, less important stuff that somehow steals our time.
With both of us still employed in full-time jobs, the balancing act is a work in progress, but we continue to make the necessary adjustments. After all, we don’t want to miss too much of the action or their experiences.
While the weekend was a bit hectic, we did manage through strategic planning to accomplish everything on the list, including a birthday shopping trip and dinner at a favorite restaurant to celebrate.
I’m also thankful for my sweetie pie who came to the rescue and helped me with all the entertaining that goes with a house full of girls, and the honey-do’s that often go with the territory, but go unrecognized. Remember, carrying around a 12 pound baby is man’s work.
We did make the most of our time together as the older grandgirls and I were able to make dinner on our first evening together. It was a special time of fellowship and the kitchen was buzzing with talk of their favorite meals and recipes. And then they voiced in unison, “Nana, we want to learn to cook.”
That was music to my ears, and because we have ‘Camp Nana’ every summer, I already know what the hot topic and flurry of activities will be during our time together.
The scenario for Saturday morning was a bit different, but looked a little bit like: I’ll do this if you will do that. And if you can take them here, then I’ll take them there.
I keep trying to fend off the unimportant, non-sensical stuff so we can enjoy the important things in life, but despite my best efforts I don’t always succeed.
1 Peter 4:8 tells us, ‘Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything.
If you want to handle change in your life, then change the way you think. You do that by immersing yourself in God’s word. As you evaluate the change going on in your life consider the following:
- As you face change in your life, what are you focusing on?
- What are some changes that you are looking forward to?
- How will you deal with unexpected changes that may bring challenges?
Record your answers in your journal so you have a record of what you believe is important and how you intend to deal with change when it comes your way. Attitude is everything.
We all know that some days are better than others. Some weeks are better than others. But it’s important to move away from the crazy schedules that we like less and less, and focus on the here and now.
For the here and now has an expiration date and must be treasured in the moment or lost forever.
Blessings & Hugs. I’ll be praying for you.
Mitzi
I really love this post- All is so true!!!
Thank you so much. Just a lot to think about and be ready for. It’s all about attitude.