To be honest, I’m having a hard time writing this blog because no matter how I reword it, I sound like I’m whining.

I’m not.

Really.

I’m sharing what’s in my heart at the moment. I’m wondering if anyone ever feels this way except me.

Right now, weeks past vacation, in the middle of summer with fall a ways off and the holidays even further, I miss my kids.

I miss seeing their faces in person.

I miss hugging them until they cry for me to stop because I’m breaking their necks.

I miss hearing them talk amongst each other, most often about stuff I don’t understand.

I miss their giggles with each other.

I miss making them laugh with my “mom logic.” I miss their moans of laughter to Gene’s “dad humor.”

I miss going places with them and always finding our way to a Starbucks where we sit at a small table and talk about nothing.

I miss being with my kids.

Before I sound like I’m whining any further, my kids treat me like a queen. We talk and text several times a week. And you all know how generous Kelsey and Caleb are with their time and the Grands. Gene and I are so thankful to be a part of their lives.

Yet, there’s something about being together and everyone being together. You can’t get that something on the phone or Skype.

This season we find ourselves in—who knows how long it will last? Life won’t always be this way. The kids may not always live this far from us or they may move further away. And the gifts of this season God has given me may not always be available. I need to enjoy them now before life changes with the next season.

God showed me a few ways to enjoy the gifts of this season:

• Make the most of the time I have with Kelsey, Caleb, and the Grands. They live close and we love seeing them often. The oldest Grand will go to preschool in the fall. Then comes kindergarten and then elementary school. His free time to spend with Nana will be limited. I need to enjoy as much time as I can with him before school starts.
• Look forward to and make the most of the time this fall when Gene and I will be with our kids who live out-of-state. It will be so much fun. Anticipation is half the fun so I need to immerse myself in planning and excitement.
• Fully enjoy my time with Gene and keep finding ways to have fun with just the two of us. Gene and I are both in excellent health. We want to take advantage of it and not get into an “old people” rut (even though we kinda are old people!).
• Use the free time I have to explore the interests and talents God has given me. Right now I have three I dabble in—watercolor painting, photography, and cooking/baking.
• Always be thankful that our kids are all thriving.

• I am also doing my best to enjoy the space I have in my life to think, talk to God, and be open to whatever He brings my way next.

If you need to, whine a little about the hurt in your heart. Then make a list of the gifts God has given you in this season. Now go enjoy them!

 

 

 

 

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.