Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Munchkins

What?

So, the kids and I were sitting in the car at Ikea the other day, waiting for Aaron to run in and pick something up. I noticed a mom and her three teenage kids getting into their minivan. It struck me how big the teens looked in a minivan (I'm used to seeing little kids get into one of those). Then it struck me that my kids are going to be teens one day. And that day isn't very far away. I know I have a newborn, but my oldest daughter is almost six. And I find myself remembering how my parents used to always remark, "You kids are growing so fast!" It's so true. Can Tirzah really be almost 6? Time goes from wandering aimlessly when you are a teen and a young adult to running at breakneck speed once you have kids. They do change fast, and it's wonderful and heartbreaking at the same time.

I was thinking the other day that my favorite seasons are those of transition:spring and fall. My favorite times of day are the same: dawn and sunset. Aaron said it's because those are the most mild seasons and times. I think it also has something to do with the fact that it's happening so quickly and we pay attention because it is going to be gone soon. We love what we can't hold on to. Our kids are like that. We can't hold onto them and we have to remember to pay attention, because they are going to grow and go do what God has made them to do. And I have to cherish all of these fleeting moments, all the little things they say and do. Even the difficult times, because those are what shape their characters--and mine. So, here's to paying attention and building up memories of all those little things that change so quickly.