It’s Presidents Day, which means my sweet Camp didn’t go to school today!  The beauty and sunshine beckoned us outdoors, and our day started out with a play date at the park.  Play dates at the park used to be a usual happening in the Elder family in our west Texas days, but since we moved to Bryan (and Camp started going to school every afternoon) they have been few and far between.  Today felt like one of those prized West Texas park days-  just like I used to, I wore them out before lunch and got home in time for naps (for all!).  So today, although out of our regular scheduled programing, was a fresh breath of air.  a sweet memory of how things used to be before they got so big.

Before the kids were in two different schools, on two different schedules, (and going to mothers day out two days a week), I couldn’t WAIT for them to start school.  Not that I didn’t want to be with them, but I was excited about the next chapter for us all.  and now that we are getting closer to Kindergarden, I want the opposite.  I long for days like today where we can meet friends at the park, take naps, and be on our own routine as a family.

I was reminded today of a quote that I heard at IF Gathering last weekend by Eugene Cho.  He mentioned at the end of his talk Friday night the quote that we all know by heart…one that I know I’ve said (and felt) many many times- “the grass is always greener on the other side.”  

but then, he added – what if when we think that, it’s the holy spirit saying to us “WATER THE GRASS YOU ARE STANDING ON”.  and y’all, I can’t get that out of my head.

water the grass you are standing on.

for me, today that looked like enjoying the present moment I have with my kids – in this season we are in.  Not looking back to the past, or to the future, or even to what others seasons look like – but simply watering the season that we are in.  enjoying the moments.  not wishing them away.

I’ve thought about this quote in so many other contexts since IF.  How often do we want what others have?  We want it to be OUR turn.  Our turn for the promotion, for the baby, the vacation, the recognition, the “cool” friends.  We want so desperately what we assume is the best for us, but friends!  Don’t we remember that Gods best is best.  His timing, his plan, his story for our lives.

” I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” Jeremiah 29:11, the message

I so often (like my daughter here on her brothers birthday) want it to be MY TURN.  I want what I want, when I want it, and how I want it.  I was so tempted to laugh at Asher’s reaction when it was Camp’s day to celebrate (knowing her day was less than a month from then), until I humbly realized that I can be like a toddler in that regard too.  As adults, we usually can hide our feelings better, but can’t you relate to that face?   

While my days don’t look like they used to, they look like they look now for a purpose. There is great joy to be found in truly living this life we’ve been given and stewarding it well.  Babies grow up, and seasons change just like the weather.  Soak in whatever season you are in now.  The thing about seasons is they don’t last forever – which, if you are in a hard season, HORRAY!, if you are in a sweet season – soak it up while it’s here.

So moral of the story is.  Be where you are.  Do the best with what you’ve been given.  Hope for the future.  Keep praying for God to show up in your life in the way only He can, and while you wait – remember to water the grass you are standing on! 

what does “water the grass you are standing on” mean to you?