Enjoy the Seasons

Something I never have appreciated in life was the 4 seasons (as in Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall). Every season seemed long but in reality it was just about 3 months. I love Winter, but towards then end I complain it's too cold. I have always thought Spring was neat, not just because it is the season that holds my birthday, because of all the beauty that grows from the previous seasons rains (storms). Summer has always been the season I have the most fun. There is tons to do in the Summer, it is warm, and people are generally happy. Fall marks the season of what once was flourishing is now drifting away. The season cycle is endless, expected, loved, hated, and most of all how we live out our lives. When it comes to Parker he is full of seasons. Some of his seasons come and go too fast. He, in his short 2 years, has gone through many seasons. Seasons where he loves YO-GABBA GABBA, Toy Story, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse...... avocados, milk, pears, and currently juice. He wants only mommy, to now all about Daddy. To sleeps well though the night to late night nightmares. To sweet and a great listener to "No, mommy" and many time-outs. I sometimes find myself frustrated at the season I am faced with, but when I actually stop I know, "That this too shall pass". Somethings in life I do not want to pass, and something I have experienced in life that I want to pass in the blink of an eyes. I recently had a birthday, yesterday, and each year I like to reflect on life. In the last year my little man has grown tremendously. He doesn't drink out of a bottle, he doesn't wear a diaper, and he doesn't need me for everything. I am learning to let go and let him be more independent, which is just the beginning. I can feel the separation between us, I know it is normal, but as his mom it hurts. However, with that change a new season has began with him being super fun, silly, and full of charisma. I am trying to step back and enjoy all this new season brings me with Parker (the good, bad, and the ugly). Gosh! I love that little boy. There is also season in other areas of our lives like in work. Some seasons I feel inspired, some season I wonder why I teach, and some season I go M.I.A. Recently I am in a season, at work, where I am trying to have fun with my job and love each student for who they are. However, I have little seasonal changes within my season, when I want to quit my job or not work at all. I have been trying to have perspective at work and today I was given some. I was reminded, through the eyes of a child, why I teach at the school I do. I was reminded why God placed me where he has. I was reminded to have a heart, pray, and give what I can to touch that child's heart. I was reminded my job isn't just a job, it's my chance to use my gifts that God has blessed me with. I would love to announce that my season on schooling for me is coming to an end. I will not longer be a student, always a life student, where I have homework, quizzes, test, and the dreadful THESIS paper. I would love to say I will never go through a season like this again, but like I mentioned.....the season cycle comes and goes. In my marriage I have had seasons. Some I love, some I liked, and some I wasn't a big fan of. With that said you can have season where no matter the season love is there. I think marriage is hard, no doubt. I have know, that in the 3 1/2 years I have been married that the only consistent thing in my marriage is God. God has been my rock, refuge, strength, leader, and protector. Without God, who knows where I would be. I do thank God for bring me Nate. Nate is what I have needed. Love him until death, literally, and I am thankful for his love and support. He is an amazing father. I am grateful for his hard work, and drive. He has the best ambition to support his family. He is sensitive, funny, caring, and has a heart of gold. He inspires me to want to help others the way he is always willing to. Love ya kid, though sometimes I want to........ I can close my eyes and reflect on the last year, year 31 for me. There have been so many seasons.....the consistent support, love, and strength has come only from God. Though I have a supportive husband, parents, brothers, and family. I am excited for year 32 has for me. My last 31 years have been full of seasons, some I wish I would have enjoyed more. I think I need to stop, enjoy my seasons for what they are............