It’s amazing how the seasons of our lives flow like a lazy river from one to the next without our even noticing until the new season has been upon us for a while.

Today was such a day for me. Months ago I used to lament the weekends. Just being real. Our weekends were pretty quiet. Yes, we could have initiated friends to come for supper and sometimes we did. But there is something delightful when things just pop up on the calendar from time to time.

The season of quiet weekends forced me to deal with the quiet—either embrace it or do something about it. And we did—both.

But today as I was working on a special project for our family’s staycation this summer I thought ahead to what else I needed to do this afternoon (water and deadhead flowers, take care of dogs), and the thought occurred to me—It’s been a good long while since we have had a quiet weekend.

The season of life had indeed changed and I hadn’t noticed. Our weekends are now filled with helping Kelsey and Caleb on their house and caring for Harvey while they work. We have visited the other kids. We take the chunks of time we can grab and catch up around our house.

Both seasons are good and precious. I appreciate what each one contributed to make me who I am.

I wonder what the next season will bring. And I wonder how long will it take me to notice.

Brenda Garrison is an author and speaker who empowers women with the confidence to live their calling. Brenda is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ministry Leadership with a Concentration in Women’s Ministry at Moody Bible Institute. She and her husband, Gene, are the parents of three young adult daughters and live near Metamora, IL.