I just wanted a peek.
As I pushed my toddler in his stroller around our new neighborhood, I noticed a crowded parking lot at the elementary school. What goings-on would beckon kids to go to school on a Saturday? Being curious, we navigated toward the doors.
Truthfully, part of me felt a tinge of excitement that I found a reason to peek inside the place where my son would eventually attend school. Not yet, of course. Still a few years off. But, I could catch a glimpse of the next milestone.I opened the door and gazed around. The PTA fun fair was taking place. So this is what it looks like.
It feels like that moment happened recently. But it didn’t. In fact, our peek happened 18 years ago. He attended that school. Then the intermediate school. Followed by the junior high. And finally high school. Thirteen years of school done in a blink.
Every parent reflects on the twilight zone moments of parenting. How do the days appear so long and the years short? How do you find yourself surprised by the quick pace of scheduling the rituals of senior year when you have known about them coming for nearly thirteen years?
Finding peace in that tension between enjoying a peek and trying to be fully prepared for the transitions in your child’s life can be a challenge.
Yet, comfort can be found in the reminder that our children are not ours completely. God is fully aware of who they are and where they need to go. We are blessed to help steer them and get peeks into those milestones along the way.
Awww, Stephanie, you drew me right in with your words. I often say the day go slowly, but the years fly past. I love this glimpse into your early mama years.
And I love what you said here: “God is fully aware of who they are and where they need to go. We are blessed to help steer them and get peeks into those milestones along the way.”
I need to remember these words on the hard days. 🙂 Sweet post, friend!