I Won’t Be Sad

I will not be sad,

When seasons change and the winds blow and every leaf falls from the trees; nor when the sun returns to scorch the earth and warm my soul. 

When the baby grows and sleeps through the night, and learns to say “Mama” as he reaches out for me. 

When the toddler runs through grassy fields, the wind in her hair, reveling in her new freedom and the sheer joy of a sunny morning. 

When the school bus carries away the child with the backpack as big as himself to begin his adventures in learning. 

When the middle schooler rolls her eyes on the last day of school at the insistence that she pose for one more picture with friends.

When the high school graduate walks proudly across the stage and offers the firm handshake his father taught him, in exchange for a diploma. 

When the car is unloaded and the dorm room is set up, and I pull away from the college campus.

When the graduate lands his first job and moves into an apartment of his very own, and calls me at midnight for cooking lessons by phone. 

When wedding bells ring and I stand for the processional and watch my child (who once ate crayons) glide gracefully down the aisle dressed in white. 

When the delivery room rings out with cries of new life, and a new generation is laid gently in my arms. 

I won’t be sad, because a life well-lived is a life of seasons: of new beginnings, and closing chapters, and moments of mundane in between. Of highs and lows, and tears and laughter–and, always, of learning and growing.

Each season builds on the last, celebrates the one before, refreshes the soul with the kiss of newness. Each held and cherished in its time, and only in its time.

I will pray for the grace to unclench the fingers that hold tightly to what is passing. For courage to face what is new. For joy hidden in unexpected places. For all that I need to let the seasons do their work.

And I won’t be sad.