Last night I allowed myself to cry. I didn’t realize how badly I needed that release. Life is changing, again. Kate and Gavin will be at college in the fall, and Matt will be the solo child at home. I am realizing this transitional time is something I need to grieve. I know the word grieve may seem like a lot but it’s real for me. I truly treasure the beautiful seasons of life with my family and I’ve recognized that it isn’t easy for me to let go and move on to the new seasons as easily as others do, or appear to. I eventually do, and will, yet reflecting on the gift of all these years being a stay at home Mom with Kate, Gavin and Matt is something I will forever treasure.

I know the next season will have its own beauty, as every season does. Yet the reality is, moving on is not a light switch I can just flip to the next season. I need to gradually make my way into the new season. And if at times that requires having a good cry, so be it.

I share this today for anyone else who is in a transitional season. I invite you to join me to…

pause. breathe. pray.

May we be willing to sit with ourselves and process our emotions as we transition seasons. It’s okay to not be okay at times. Yet may we always remember that this too shall pass, and may we trust that the next season will have a new kind of beauty, and may we give thanks for being here to send them off and watch them step into their future selves.

With love and hope,
Shawn