“Blessed in the man…but his delight in in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers…” (Ps. 1:1-3)

“…Even trees don’t flower and bear fruit all the time—only in season. But men and women alike seem to think that we should be bearing fruit all that time; we punish ourselves when we’re not…” (Gail McDonald, High Call, High Privilege)

This statement was in my reading a few days ago. It came as such an insight! Going from being a full time professor to a full time mom and part time professor has been so difficult. I have often felt like I should be performing all the same tasks I did before and add Ethan on top. I can hear you moms laughing at me.

Beginning to think of my life in seasons is helping. Instead of feeling like I have to make it to the adult bible class every time, begin in depth research on ideas I have, attend professional conferences, start my Ph.D., keep the house spotless, take meals to shut-ins… I can relax and attend class with Ethan, let my career take a back seat, and focus on serving my family and building relationships. This is one of the hardest lessons to learn. To me it has always seemed that what I’m doing now, I’m going to be doing for the rest of my life. Realizing that life is full of seasons and they are always changing, gives me permission to relax and enjoy the season I’m in, instead of feeling guilty that I’m not living in another.