Behind a slow-moving car in the Chick-fil-a drive thru. She was looking down. Bending over. Checking out the backseat. Not in a hurry. At. All. Can you tell I was in a hurry? And, getting a bit frustrated.

Then, as the worker at the window handed her the order, I realized why. She had a little one in the backseat. One small enough to warrant a kiddie meal bag. One who still probably likes the prize. One who might need a little attention as you wait in line.

That being said, I realized how much I miss those days. I miss having mine in a car seat. Buckled in tight. Talking non-stop. Waiting for the prize in the kiddie meal. Even dropping things beyond reach.

Most of my days now center around being in a hurry. No talking in the backseat as they play games on their devices. No asking for my help for things beyond their reach. Not even one still excited about the prize.

And, maybe on this Friday, your week has looked a lot like mine. Carting kids from one place to the other. Rushed plans for dinner. And, yes, soap-box speeches regarding homework and studying several days while en route to our next activity.

Regardless of what stage of life you may be in, remember, most days may seem to pass so slowly. Yet, really the days are rapidly becoming weeks and the weeks months and the months years. Can you believe it is already September? I won’t even begin to remind you how many weeks are left before Christmas. And, yes, another new year, Lord willing.

For those of you who can still enjoy the chatter from the car seat, please do just that! When mine were small I was in too big of a hurry at times to enjoy.

And, for those of you in this phase of older children, let’s enjoy the daily taxi service and even the rushed meal times as everyone scuttles off to do their homework. I am really trying to be more intentional with my expectations and my reactions to our crazy schedules. Knowing what to expect and working hard to prepare everyone for it by planning ahead seems to be helping.

Another great way to combat the busyness and frustration that mounts due to it: Pray for peace in your home. A sweet friend once suggested this to me and yes, it works!

I really regret being overly stressed as a young mother, and even today. When the kids were young I was so concerned about meeting an exact schedule for nap time. I got really anxious about food on their clothes and the dirty paci in the floor board. There were some big anxieties as well, but the little ones really resonate with me now. How quickly time passed while I was stressing over so many things that really didn’t matter.

Now my stress is related more to grades and safety and the need to let go a little every day as I seek to prepare them for the path. Not the path for them. And, yes, that is oh so hard! I would love to turn back time and quickly overlook the spit up and the dirty paci.

Knowing what I know now, it would be so easy not to worry about those things. Yes, that is what happens. Each phase helps us to see His plan better. And, understand why His word is true when it says, “…do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.” Luke 12:22

So even though we may not get it all right, He can make it right. He promises that for those who love Him, friends. Our worst mommy moments are working together for our good. Because we love Him. And, yes, because He truly loves us.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” ~ Romans 8:28

Please, don’t do what I did. Don’t wish away the days thinking that surely the next phase might be easier. In some ways it is. And, in others, trust me, it isn’t.

Enjoy every moment. Slow down and listen to every little word of chatter. Too soon the voice will be deeper and the chatter will be much less.

Let them have the prize first. Spit on the dropped paci and smile. Every moment is precious, sweet friend.

And, yes, the role of motherhood tends to refine us all. In so many ways. I am constantly trying to remind myself this one thing. If I really know God and love Him, shouldn’t I also trust Him with my crazy days and not so peaceful moments? And, yes, more so with my children?

“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” ~ Luke 11:13

Time is passing by. Just breathe deep. Pray lots and with confidence that He is working.

“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” ~ Philippians 4:6,7 MSG

I have heard this verse thousands of times, but I love the translation from the Message. Shape your worries into prayers. And, yes, God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down.

And, don’t you dare forget the promise. Christ will displace worry at the center of your life.

Thank you, sweet Father!

Now, go ahead. Give it all to the only One who loves those babies more than you. And, enjoy every moment as you spit on that paci and smile!