Seasons of Life

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven; a time to be born and a time to die, a tie to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. What does a worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." Ecclesiastes 3:1-11

I wonder if God did not have new parents in mind when this passage was written about the seasons of life. This last year has been a wonderful season in the life of my family. It has included tears, laughs, hugs, kisses, discipline, diapers, and love.

When Abby was first born I did not think that I could be a mother. Frankly, there were times I did not want to be a mother. I thought the newborn stage would never end and that I would forever be sleep deprived. However, this first year of Abby's life has passed far too quickly. She is now a toddler. She has a personality, a beautiful smile, and a lot of energy! She is independent (and trying to prove that more and more everyday), and yet loving.

I have loved her since the moment she was born. I pray that the Lord will take hold of her heart and have her fall in love with Him more and more each year.