Journal Entry from June 2006:
The expiration date said June 25th. I have never had to notice this part of the orange juice carton, that is, until now. My 24 year old son, who loves orange juice so much that he drinks a large glass of it every morning on his way to work, married his beautiful bride on June 3rd. That was 4 weeks ago, and I have to throw away something because he no longer lives here; this is no longer the place he calls home. I couldn’t be more thrilled, yet why am I crying?
I have prayed for years that my children would grow up to love the Lord and to love the local church. They do! I have prayed that they would love being a part of our family and call us not only their parents, but their friends. They do! I have prayed for the day to see them fall in love and marry their best friend. Two of them have!
So, why am I crying over spoiled orange juice?
The answer is obvious, because I have loved being a mother of a house full of little children, and those days are over. I loved being a mom of teenagers full of life and activity, and that season is over. Now that my three children are in their twenties, I love watching God reveal His plan for their lives. He will be faithful now as He has been faithful in the past.
I am learning that God has many surprises for me throughout my lifetime. Some I’ve anticipated and others were unexpected blessings. Whether I realize it or not, God is at work in every moment of every day. Change is hard, but change is so good! It pushes me out of my normal routines and makes me embrace something new. He used a carton of orange juice to remind me of what used to be.
Suddenly, I have an overwhelming desire to go to Publix and be different – I think I’ll buy some Pomegranate juice I hear it’s good for you, and it just so happens that my youngest daughter, who still lives at home, really loves it! 🙂
The Romantic Vineyard 
Although all 3 of my babies are still under my roof, and 2 of them are actually still babies, my first baby turned 15 a few days ago…a trip to the DMV and lots of talk about college majors and future careers has this mama fighting the temptation to brace AGAINST change. Thanks for this simple reminder to remember that I wouldn’t change one single thing God has done in my life…”God has been faithful, He will be again…His loving compassion, it knows no end. All I have need of His hand will provide. He’s always been faithful to me!”.
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Colleen I can’t believe your daughter is 15! That’s crazy. Thank you for commenting! It’s always good to hear from you.
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I love pomegranate juice too, a bit spendy but very good.
It is hard when your grown up ‘children’ move away but it is always a great blessing to see them do well and become mature people who work and love and have families and become parents and oh the circle continues. Yes the house remains quiet but I enjoy that sound. (and also the grandchildren when they come visit)
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Isn’t it amazing how quickly we get used to a quiet house? I love the circle you mention, Sharon. Thanks!
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My only is 12 and I keep thinking of how fast the time is going. The next stage is looming large. But life keeps going … I guess God designed it to do so. I need to learn to be more grateful for this time with my son, even in the midst of pre-teen craziness. Thanks for sharing.
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Yes, gratefulness is the key to enduring the challenges of the teen years. It passes quickly. Thanks for commenting!
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That seems like a different lifetime. It’s hard to believe you, too, no longer have 3 children in their 20’s. Welcome to the club!
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Happy to be in this club with you all!
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