The Sweetness of "Porch-Swing Season"

     My favorite part of the day for the past several weeks has been on my back porch swing.  For about an hour or so each day, I meet with Jesus in quiet, sweet sunshine, swinging to a rhythm all my own.  I set the busyness of my day and responsibilities aside to just be still and be in God's Word.  Time of Scripture and devotions, time to marvel at the blue skies and creation surrounding me, time to breathe in so as to replenish all that is breathed out during the rest of my day.  I find myself longing for this time each day and hurrying to get to my swing.
     As I watch the clock and know my solitude draws to a close, I also anticipate the footsteps of my son in the grass as he walks home from school.  I hear him before I see him, but the moment I see his face he always has a smile for me.  A smile for Mama.  My sweet, porch-swing time is extended as he joins me and we enjoy time to talk about our days while swinging in a comfortable mother-son way.  I get to hear all about school, friends, homework, jokes, and any other part of his day he wants to share with me.  All too quickly he is leaving the porch to go play a video game and I must pull myself away from the swing to head to the bus stop for my daughter.
     Her time with Mama is much different.  I can gauge how my daughter's day at school went by her face and shoulders as she gets off the bus.  There's not always a smile for Mama.  Her sensitive spirit proves to be a delicate dance that requires special care as soon as the van door opens.  She is not able to wait for swing time with me; instead she immediately bubbles over.  Our ride back to the house holds many treasures as she pours her heart out.  Our mother-daughter rhythm is much more listening on my part, and releasing on hers.  I must reserve the swing for those days she needs Mama close and we can swing away the blues together.
     I treasure these moments with my children and hold them dear as I know they are only here for a season.  I thank the Lord for this season and I thank my husband for providing so that I can be the Mama waiting at home after school.  The blessing of my swing time does not go unappreciated.  As the weather grows colder, I will bundle up in a coat and blanket and enjoy this season on my swing as long as I can.  While I wish we had room indoors to hibernate the swing for winter, I'll just have to be creative and find another special place inside where I can meet with Jesus to recharge and love on my children after school.  A cozy closet of blankets, pillows, and flashlights may be the perfect winter den where this Mama can be found on any given afternoon.  :)