When Less Equals More
We are an elite group.
That description is not because we are rich or famous.
Most of us come into this group with no special skill set.
We are more “jack of all trades, master of none” if you will.
Our training did not come through classes or lectures, but more from watching the models around us over the years.
Many times we cry through the tests, thinking we have the right answer only to find out the question was different than what we prepared for.
All of our time is consumed by being the best, only to find out with each passing year we return to novice status.
This seems glaringly obvious now.
It’s like starting a new job at the bottom when you have 18 plus years of experience.
Mothers of adult children, welcome!
And if you are not one, I promise that someone in your circle is.
We recognize each other now not by the Froot Loops in our hair or the stains on our shifts.
Playdates are in the rearview mirror.
No longer are we dropping our kids off at the front door, but watching them on Life360 to make sure they made it back safely to their apartment.
Instead of wearing our kids jerseys at sporting events, we look back on the Memories we posted about their first hit or dance.
There is a quiet recognition that we are in a season of less.
Less in person communication, more one word texts or requests for the Disney code that was just sent to you.
Less moments walking in the front door after school, more times walking in for a short visit just to do laundry.
Less advice being asked for about this problem or that one, more wondering if you ever taught them enough to live on their own.
Less time in their world, more time alone in ours.
Figuring out who we are in this season of life.
Our title has not changed, but our role is drastically different.
If I am being honest, I am not always handling this new role well.
Maybe I am not alone here.
But I know that God is trying to teach me something in this season.
Even though sometimes I cry through the lessons.
Here is what I am holding onto in this season of less.
Less equals more now.
- More prayers.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11(NIV)
This verse hangs in our home.
When I am worried about my sons, I hold onto this.
Inserting the names of our children in this verse as we pray is the reminder that God not only has good plans for us, but also for our children.
- More gratitude
.
“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him.” Psalm 127:3 (NLT)
Our sons and daughters are a gift from our heavenly Father.
God knew exactly who He was choosing to be the mothers of our children, in every season of their lives.
He chose us.
Even when we are feeling unsteady, that is something to be grateful for.
- More trust.
“This is how God showed His love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him.” 1 John 4:9 (NIV)
This verse not only reveals the love the Father has for us, but also emphasizes the fact that He understands more than anyone the act of letting a child go.
When I start to worry about sending my sons into the world, I remember that God sent His only Son out of the comfort of His home into that same world.
And He was with Him step of the way.
Even when we let go, He never lets go of our children.
Or of us.
Even when our roles change, He remains the same.
In this season of less, I need more of Him.
Wishing you many blessings this Thanksgiving, whatever season you find you find yourself in.
He is with you.
