May the Days of Summer Be Long & Pass Slowly

I decided long ago that I wanted to start a blog...but I was waiting for that perfect day to do so - a day that celebrated something special.  While there have been plenty of "special" days, there hasn't been one in particular that stood out.  I finally realized that each day is special enough in it's own way and none should be overlooked as anything less.  The past few weeks have been full of reminders of how very blessed we are and how very fleeting time is.

Both of the boys recently finished their Spring soccer seasons.  For Lane, it was all about securing yet another trophy to add to his now-growing collection.  Did he have fun in the process? You bet, but at the end of the day, he wanted his reward.  That's how I often feel as a parent...wanting a reward at the end of a very long day or week.  And yet, I know my rewards are not quite as tangible as a trophy.  Instead, they come in hugs and kisses from my little people...smiles on their faces...giggling and laughter...hearing their prayers and praying with them...watching them grow and change into the person God intends for them to be...and oh so much more.

For Alex, the end of this soccer season very likely marked the end of his soccer playing career (short of Troy getting a soccer team or Alex transferring to another school).  While he anxiously awaits the beginning of school sports as a soon to be 7th grader, he will certainly miss the game that he has come to know and love.  As his mom, I have enjoyed watching him grow with the sport - he went from the little boy who always ran back to the center of the circle in the center of the field each and every time the whistle was blown to one of the more aggressive players and a true leader on the field.  This season marks a sense of closure for life as we have known it for the past 8 years (he started playing when he was 4).  Closure on certain ages and stages is probably my least favorite part of being a mom.  I don't like to let go as doing so means that I am acknowledging that my babies are growing up.  Alex has lived and breathed football for as long as I could remember...and for years, I have gotten by with saying that he could play once he got to 7th grade.  Now 7th grade is nearer than ever...but it seems it was only yesterday that he was my baby boy who merely dreamed of playing.  If only I could keep them little...

Alli finishes yet another year of dance with her 2nd recital tomorrow.  My quiet little ballet princess who seldom shows her true colors in front of others will shine on the stage.  She has asked me daily how many more days till her recital.   She knows both of her dances and is so excited about the big show! She will wow those that know her with her confidence and a courage to perform that can only be God-given.  For on that stage, she will not be the same little girl who doesn't talk to family or friends or who ducks her head when others attempt to get her to talk to them.  As her mom, my heart will swell with pride and...

I will pray for that same confidence and courage to be hers (and mine) when August rolls around and she and Lane start Kindergarten...and the oldest of my babies, embarks on 7th grade.    Yes, time is fleeting...very fleeting, but God has blessed us with the same 24 hours each and every day.  My prayer is that we use them wisely, look upon them fondly, and not let even a mere second of them go to waste.  May the days of Summer 2011 be long and pass ever so slowly!