There is the ease of joy in my chest at seeing my son show kindness. A wave of happiness as I drown in giggles with my daughter. Fierce pride springs up at seeing their art take shape. Each of their creations point to the Creator, our home so gracefully full of music and dance.

All the while, there’s this pressing of time. It flees faster than I ever dreamed possible.
How I wish I had appreciated their younger years more! How I wish I had leaned in to listen more to the mothers and grandmothers that have passed away.

Now I yearn for the time gone by even as I wish away hard todays. One day, my children’s children will shine making all the light of these moments a dim shadow. Maybe eI’ll be the grand or even the great-grand. Oh, how I want to squeeze every drop out of each moment. The harder we grasp, the quicker it sifts. Lord, take away the weights we put on our own shoulders. As we cast the burdens on You. Help us accept each with grateful, open hands.