Happy September 1
Happy September 1. Because Ray and I live where God gives us four distinct seasons, I look forward to September when we start to see the changes God is painting for us this year.
September by American artist William A. Coffin, c. 1907,
Courtesy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum,
Gift of William T. Evans.
While I don’t like every one of life’s changes, the change from summer to fall is one of my favorites.
Dislike of change starts early in life. One of a child’s first lessons about self-control comes when he is playing happily and Mama and Daddy say it is time to do something else.
Sometimes that “something else” that Mama and Daddy have in mind is even more fun and satisfying than what the child is already doing. Still, it is hard for us humans, whether young or old, to let go of what is in the here and now and trust a wise parent to move us on to something else, even if that something else is better.
Yesterday I shared photos from a recent morning walk. As I watched the fog lift and scenes change from soft gray hues to bright green ones, I thought of these words: “each changing future scene . . . .” The words are from the c. 1704 hymn, “My Jesus, As Thou Wilt,” by Benjamin Schmolck. This is verse 4.
My Jesus, as Thou wilt! All shall be well with me!
Each changing future scene I gladly trust with Thee:
Straight to my home above I travel calmly on,
And sing, in life or death, my Lord, Thy will be done!
At every stage of life, we have the opportunity to let go of what is in the here and now and trust our wise heavenly Father to move us on to someplace else. When we realize Who is changing the scenes in our lives, we really can “travel calmly on, and sing in life or death, my Lord, Thy will be done!”
Whatever changes come into your family’s life this year, remember that you can trust Him. He is always working for your good. Sometimes the hardest changes are the ones that will do us the most good in the long run. While it is difficult to see our children go through hard changes, the hardest ones often do them the most good, too.
Peace I leave with you;
My peace I give to you;
not as the world gives do I give to you.
Do not let your heart be troubled,
nor let it be fearful.
John 14:27
Thank you, Charlene, for another helpful post. I’ve been thinking…as a retired homeschool mom of now-adults, I am experiencing a change in role as well. I would love to read some advice from you on how to rightly relate to our grown children. How much, if any, advice do I give? Do I only offer advice if asked? How do I demonstrate respect for their decisions without second-guessing them because I feel I know a better way? How do I refrain from parenting our grandchildren? Any wisdom you can offer, especially from the Word, would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.