When I was younger, I wanted summer to last forever. I loved the hot warm sun and hours of playing outside. I loved the freedom of no school. I would have given up Christmas and my April birthday if that meant we could just keep June, July, and August on repeat. As I got older, summer lost it’s allure. My priorities changed. My number one goal wasn’t to play outside all day in the hot sun. I began appreciating every season, even winter, and it’s cold weather.

It’s taken six children and forty-two years to learn how to appreciate the seasons of life too. As a young mother I wanted to rush to the next milestone. Instead of soaking up the present, I looked towards the future. I complained about sleepless nights instead of