Seasons... of motherhood

Lately I have been thinking about the season of life I am in and the events to come in the next couple of month. Its amazing how different they really are, a contrast really. I have been in this season several times yet still find it overwhelming. I am grateful I have the advantage of knowing it shall past and I will survive. Survive, yes that is what it feels like at times I am doing but that's not all. I am enjoying the moments I have with my family. What season is this? This is the time when I have multiple kids in diapers, I sleep maybe, on a good night 4 hours, I shower when I can, my house never seems clean, a complete thought is a mystery, and it never seems the crying and screaming stops. Friends? I have them, I think I remember their names, Star & Nina, Caliou, Angelina Ballerina, Oh no, wait that's my kids friends they watch so I can get a shower! I may always feel as if I am covered in some type of diaper mess, spit up, or I am a wipe for runny noses but I will cherish these times. If you see me please remember that I once was an intelligent person and my husband thought I was hot. I have been in the Army so I'm kinda tough, I worked in a dental office, and I use to be very athletic. I may never get that person back but I don't think I want to because it would mean I would not be able to enjoy these precious moments with my little babies for they grow up and are gone too fast. I know this because of the future events to come. The end of the school year I will be sending two of my babies out of the nest. They will be adventuring out on their own into the real world. I am sad, proud, and scared at the same time! Have I given them all the tools they need to be out on their own? Did I love them through hard times and come to the rescue when I needed to or when they needed to fall and pick themselves up alone, did I allow them to do this? I am sad because these are my little ones who I changed their diapers, wiped their tears, rocked them to sleep night after night. I am proud because they are both wonderful young people! I see them making good choices, standing up for themselves and chasing after their dreams. They love the Lord with all their heart and I know they will always live for Him. This year I have been getting a taste of what it feels like to let your babies go. My first baby has been attending a school in Virginia for his senior year. He also spent time on a missions trip to Madagascar for the entire summer! We were not able to be in contact with him and had to trust God he was okay. I was wondering did he make it to Madagascar okay? Is he safe? Is scared? What if he gets sick, does he know what to do? When I dropped him off at the airport I was your typical mom drilling him over and over again what to do if he has trouble on the flight, what to do during security checks, keep your money with you and emergency numbers, etc. Keep in mind the poor boy was 18 at the time! He was very gracious to his mother. As he went to school this fall it was so hard not hearing from him. Call your mom Tom! But I guess its true, they'll call when they need something. This past winter break I really had to trust the Lord. I dropped off my baby at the airport knowing most of the airlines were having trouble due to the ice storms. Putting him on the plane I kept wondering if he knew what to do if the flight was cancelled and how to stay in a hotel,remember to have a wake up call, get a shuttle, find his new flight schedules, etc. He made it fine, no problem. Silly mom! I know all of this is preparing me for the day I kiss my son goodbye and send him off to train for the Army!!! I think I might need to invest in Kleenex. My daughter will be going off to college this fall. It may be local but I still will be worrying about her everyday. I will miss her daily hugs and her beautiful smile. She is strong, gorgeous young lady who has a heart for God and I know she will achieve her dreams. I will feel empty without her here and really it seems like my nest will be empty but truthfully it is still very full!!! I will be changing diapers, buying formula, making baby food and cherishing the moments I have with my babies still in my nest while my first two babies will be making their path in life on their own. Seasons change but God will never change. I trust Him with the ones He entrusted me with for after all we are God's children.