Respect your season

I thought this would be a great starter post, as the title has become a motto for my life. Respect your season. This is something I tell myself at least once a week.


The motto initiated itself in my life when I started to witness several people around me dissatisfied or struggling with their current season of life. I began to ponder the ideas surrounding seasons of life... contentment, steadiness, faithfulness, and joy. All attributes that I hope to possess and exude.

My current season of life has me fulfilling the role of wife and mother to three young children, among a host of other titles; daughter, sister, friend... I asked myself if I was (am) really thriving in this season that's been given to me. Or was I spending a good amount of my time wishing the hours away just for a break and a breath of fresh air? That's not to say I don't crave a good nap time where all three of my kids allow me an hour or so of peace, but more along the lines of the general day to day thriving, versus surviving.

There are times I've had to sit back and literally tell myself, "Just let it go and respect your season for what it is..." I've wanted to pursue some personal dreams or goals, but circumstantially it hasn't been the most appropriate choice for my family or myself.

Disclaimer: that is not to say it's not best for your family when you make those personal pursuits, etc.. this is strictly coming from my point of view and the health for my family alone. Also, I am all for embracing and pursuing regardless of circumstance, given the situation, but again, this is my own personal view point and does not necessarily need to be agreed with or shared.

Anyway, I am clinging to this motto and I know it's one I can carry with me through life. My kids will not stay tiny forever, my husband and I will grow old together, things will inevitably change, but wherever I land and whatever i find my hand working towards, I know that I can confidently walk into that season respecting it for what it is, at the time it's been given. That doesn't mean it will always be easy or desired, but I do have the choice between joy and frustration; peace or dissatisfaction.

I live in a state with highly inclement weather. It's kind of a joke for anyone that lives here. In the Winter we know that while one morning it's -2 degrees with snow covering the ground, it can be no surprise to see perfectly cleared roads and a sunshiny day within the next 24 hours. Likewise, summer can often feel like a very windy fall around here. Needless to say, it leaves a lot of my fellow friends and neighbors kind of grouchy and pretty opinionated. There's a lot of, "I can't wait for the snow to leave...I'm ready for summer!" comments. Or, "These 90 degree temps are killer! I just want some snow and a warm fireplace!"

I know we can all reserve the right to an opinion, but my point is, what if we for one moment just accepted what we have? What if we chose contentment? What if we weren't just satisfied, but we actually respected the season? We say to the snow, 'Welcome. We know you won't stay forever, but we'll revel in your beauty while you're here.'
Or dare I say, 'Crying, pant pulling, moody, cranky child. I know you won't be this size forever. I recognize you won't always need me, always long for my attention, or always desire my comfort. I accept the fact that what might change this moment is simply giving you a hug. And for that reason, I respect this moment. I embrace it. I'm letting it change me for the better.'

I challenge myself today to be more accepting of what's been given to me, to respect its worth, to embrace the moment, and to cherish the time before the seasons change again.