For Everything a Season

Originally written for http://togetherinthetrenches.com newsletter.

So… having five kids… I miss out on stuff.  Its just a fact.  I don’t just miss out on ME stuff like trips to Target, Starbucks with friends and browsing Half Price Books (although my husband is super sweet and gives me these opportunities when he can).  Its also necessary for me to forego GOOD stuff.  Bible studies, some church activities, family traditions, service opportunities.

You may experience this in your time and place in life too.  Doesn’t take five kids for these sacrifices to be needed.  One new kiddo in your home through birth or adoption or fostering can take you out of commission for a while…sometimes a long while.

I have something to tell you about that.  ITS OKAY.  Its not even just okay…its BEAUTIFUL.

The way I’m wired, if I didn’t have any children, I would be everywhere all the time.  EVERY study, EVERY chance to serve, EVERY church women event.  I would be INVOLVED in living out my faith all the time.  But you know what?  I AM INVOLVED in living out my faith…ALL the time.

Have you had sweet friends look at you with those eyes… “You’re going to miss [insert activity/event here] AGAIN?  You poor thing. I’m so sorry.”   Those types of sentiments come from hearts of love and concern.  Our friends and sisters in Christ want us to experience things that are meaningful to them and their faith.  It is so kind and sweet.  But I hope in those conversations, we don’t translate the concern into a “woe is me” attitude.  Know why?  Because our precious, complicated, take-me-out-of-the-game-as-I-knew-it life is NOT TO BE PITIED!!!  Like I said….its beautiful.  Its the life God has graciously ENTRUSTED us with right now.  Our faith is being stretched, grown, renewed, sent soaring.

I SO look forward to and cherish chances here and there to gather with peers… wisely commit to some things…  get away for foster and adoption retreat!!  ;-).

Eventually, I’ll get back into the thick of adult ministry & fellowship. Life will change again. For now, though, I still have Bible study…there just may be Veggies involved.  I still serve….all day.  I still have ladies teas…with oversized shoes, cups the size of marbles, and luke warm drops of water.  I still meet needs… interspersed with screams and sobs instead of “thank you’s”. AND I still have community – with brothers and sisters in Christ as often as possible – and always with my little tribe and my Savior.

How blessed.  How very blessed.