I wish I could post the last photo-but it was only allowed to be taken if I promised not to. I wasn’t allowed to take a photo of their first day back at school in the Autumn, but we made an agreement back then that I could take a photo of their last day at school together (before both finished for study leave & one leaves school forever)
I nearly forgot- but realised just in time that Friday was that last day. My teenagers dutifully stood side by side on the front step- as they have done many times before wearing their school uniforms. The moment was digitally recorded & I promised again that there would be no sharenting.
This significant event almost passed without acknowledgement.
As we walked along Knockinelder Beach that evening, we talked about how parents mark their childrens’ firsts
*First tooth
*First steps
*First shoes
*First word
*First birthday with cake & candle
*First day at school
*First wobbly ride on the bike sans stabilisers
We applaud these first milestones & the happy memories that coincide.
But the lasts go unrecognised.
There was a day when I picked up & carried my children for the final time and then never lifted them up again.And I have no recollection of that moment.
Or of other finales:
*The last bed time story
*The last pair of Doodle shoes or red check summer dress
*The last McFlurry between school pickups
The lasts sweep by because we don’t grasp the significance of the moment.
Of course the lasts & firsts are part of life & as our children grow there’s different firsts to celebrate eg first time driving
I don’t cope well with change & can get sentimental about the cute memories of the past (yet I’m very proud of the two teenagers that I’m blessed to call mine!)
It’s grounding to know that God is beyond all of our firsts & lasts. He is Alpha & Omega. He is the Ancient of Days- present from before He created time.
He is before & after all:
‘From life’s first cry to final breath’
(Getty)
We read the anchoring words of Psalm 90 in church last Sunday:
‘Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.’
(Psalms 90:1-2 ESV)
Our life is like a droplet in the oceans of eternity.
God can help us to make the most of our time, to redeem it & make it count.
‘Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.’
(Psalms 90:12 NLT)
Carpe Diem- Seize the day!
Blessings,
Ruthx
PS You might also like Memos to myself & Captured Time
Blessed! 