A Time for Everything
By: Keneesha Saunders-Liddie
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. – Ecclesiastes.3:1
During my pregnancy, I didn’t crave anything. I wasn’t bloated or uncomfortable or any of the common idiosyncrasies that pregnant women usually complained about.
The only thing I really suffered with was being extremely hot. Despite it all, I had a wonderful pregnancy. When my daughter was born, she was well-behaved and a perfect angel… until she turned 1 and a half.
Wow! If only I had known what was coming; I would’ve tried to prepare, if I could. Right now, one of the hardest things to manage is going out in public. When we go to church or the store, she inevitably throws a tantrum. I can’t help but feel like it’s my fault.
As much as I want to feel guilty and embarrassed, I’m reminded that my child isn’t perfect, and her sinful nature is within. I withhold what she wants because it’s usually something that’s not good for her. And even if it is good for her, there is a lesson to be learned about not getting everything we want as soon as we want it.
Regardless of my convictions, I feel the judgment weighing on me. Usually, I’d look around at the many stares and shaking heads and wonder what to do and I recall how many times I was the judgmental onlooker staring and shaking my head when I was childless.
This is when I’m reminded of our scripture for today. Ecclesiastes 3:1– There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.
This is the time that my child needs to be trained, and I can’t allow other people’s judgments to dictate what I do with my child.
God gave her to me, and it is my responsibility to train her in the right way. One day she will be older and wiser, and I want her to know how to choose good over evil.
What season of parenting are in you in right now? Perhaps this is a season of weeping, or rejoicing. Perhaps you are in a tough parenting season, like me, or a relatively easy one. Regardless, take a moment to mindfully reflect on the season God has you in. What is he trying to help you see in this season of life? What work does he have for you? What promises does he want you to cling to?
God is with us in every season, and there is a season for everything under the sun. No matter what season you’re in, take time today to thank God for walking with you through each season of life.
