Last January my oldest son was born.

Today he turned 27

Now I’m trying to figure out how time works

Eons ago I had three kids in 3 1/2 years. Life was abuzz. Now I have three 20 somethings all doing life on their own. Life is profoundly quiet.

But at one point my life was full of noise and chaos. I didn't know which end was up.

As moms, ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of our children is only one enormous responsibility we have in life. Other roles may include wife, volunteer, career person, caregiver, confidant, ministry leader, coach, etc. When so many moving parts vie for our attention, the load can be overwhelming. At any given moment, one or more of these areas can break down and leave us reeling. And if we aren’t careful, the overwhelm can suck the life out of our being and steal our joy.

I’ve been there. When my house was full of littles, my husband traveled for work. Over time, my exhaustion turned to resentment, which gave birth to marital strife, which resulted in sleepless nights. During the teen years, the battles over independence left me frazzled, which morphed into eating stress for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which brewed up ulcers in my belly.

What I came to learn the hard way is the value and importance of slowing down. To pause long enough to take a step back and evaluate what’s going on in my soul. To recognize what really matters and only focus on that which brings me life—-my family, in all it’s wonder and wonkiness.

I don't know whether you are in the throes of littles, the sweetness of the elementary years, the drama and heartache of middle school, the push and pull of teenager land, or staring into the abyss of an empty nest. What I do know is these seasons fly by. Which is why with every passing year I'm reminded that right NOW is all that matters. This moment. Good or bad.

Regardless of the stage of motherhood we are in, the only way to bend time in our favor is to immerse ourselves in the present. In the messes, joys, trials, celebrations, painful moments, and idyllic experiences.

To experience any of these scenarios means we are still here. Alive and breathing. Blessed.

Every second counts when time races by at the speed of light. Although life sneaks up on us, LOVE is a constant. God guarantees us this gift. It's ours for the giving and receiving. Right now. In this moment.

photo via Kate Mannella Photography