Turning endings into beginnings, choosing to focus on the new

We are in the thick of the month of May. The crazy month for moms with end of the school year activities. I always looked at May as a time of year for endings. The ending of a school year, the end of middle school, the end of elementary school; things coming to an end for my boys in their various stages of life. In the past, I cried at these endings and fixated on them. Funny thing is I'm not a crier. It takes a lot for me to cry, but May always brought me to tears- ugly tears.

This year, I am choosing to see it as a time for beginnings. The beginning of high school for my middle son. The beginning of Junior year for my oldest and the beginning of 2nd grade for my youngest. Instead of focusing on the ending,  I am choosing to focus on the opportunities that lie ahead for my boys.

I'm channeling the years of experience that I've gained from parenting my oldest, watching my mom friends with older children and asking advice from these moms and using it launching forward to new beginnings.This doesn't mean I didn't shed tears at the slide show during 8th grade graduation last week because I did when I saw pictures of my son and his classmates. But, it wasn't because I was sad middle school was ending. Every other year, I cried like a baby at these events. I was upset because I focused on the finality of the moment instead of the joy.  Choosing to focus on their achievements, their growth, the future possibilities is much more productive.

There are two years ahead of my oldest in high school, four for my middle and 11 for my youngest. I'm excited about these years and the possibility for growth and new experiences. Thinking about them while munching on chocolate donut holes makes the beginnings a little sweeter!

Grace and Peace,
Misty

Living in the moment

I'm learning to live in the moment. Life is a string of moments. Events have put that in perspective for me. I used to think if I could get through the tough parts then I could enjoy life.

I thought if I can get my oldest through his teen years, peer pressure ( which is so much bigger than when I was a teen- that's another blog topic) driving, exams- if I can get through this work day, this customer who I will never satisfy- if I can get my mother in law through this round of chemo, if I can get my dad through surgery....

Instead of worrying about the ifs, I'm taking each moment. Enjoying my boys' laughter, their quirky sense of humor, my oldest son's dimple, my middle son's silly jokes, my youngest son's hugs, the sun shining in my car, my dog's kisses, my husband's positive approach to our challenges, my dad's spirit as he asks all of his nurses to dance.

God gives us these moments. It's up to us to embrace them. I'm soaking them all in like today's sunshine. It's ok that I'm not outside in the sunshine because I can see it out the window. I can feel it's warmth on my cheek. 

I don't have to wait for the ifs. Instead, I choose to embrace the now. I hope you embrace the now, the moments, the dance. "Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again. Rejoice" Philippians 4:4.

Grace and Peace, 

Misty