Aside from my own mother, there is no one that has influenced my mom-life more than Chrystal Hurst. She is an author, speaker, teacher, wife, mom, CEO of the Hurst household, my next door neighbor, one of my closest friends and also . . . my sister.
She’s three years my senior and has been a gift to my life.
I can still remember holding my first baby in my arms, just hours home from the hospital, and having her nearby to help me figure my way through the haze. She helped and coached and cooked and mopped and encouraged me every step of the way.
I’ve watched her traverse many different seasons of life with a strength and tenacity that far too few women have these days. And then, I’ve seen her influence countless others in their own life-journeys – showing them how to live and love the season that they are in.
And honestly, I don’t know how she does it – homeschool, serve in women’s ministry, write, blog, cook, exercise. . the list goes on.
This post will give you a taste of my sis. I’m so glad to introduce her to you today. You’ll want to make her site a regular stop during your web-browsing. There’s always something insightful and witty to read there. Not to mention, a beautiful woman – body, mind and spirit – to get to know.
Enjoy,Priscilla
Today I took my three boys, ages 10, 8, and 5 to Target. The oldest two had money from birthdays and it was burning a hole in their pockets. Days early, I had promised them that I would take them soon.
Today was that day.
We arrived at the store and I opened the door to my mini-van so the boys could undo their seat belts and exit the vehicle. Gone are the days of unbuckling them from complicated car seats or placing infant carriers in the front section of the grocery cart.
We walked into the store. I pushed no strollers, I had no babies on my hip, and I carried no diaper bag. My boys went up and down the aisles of the toy section. I stayed in the main aisle so I could keep up with all three of them at a glance. I didn’t have to worry about keeping a hand on a toddler at all times.
When it came time to check out, my older boys went up to the counter, goods in hand, while I took the youngest one to the water fountain. We waited for his brothers to finish their purchases. Apparently, I’m also passed the time of having hollering babies in the cart while I struggle to pay at the register.
That season is gone.
But while I can still reminisce over their baby smells and their tiny toes, I’m not super sad about watching my boys grow up. A wise “Kingdom Woman” told me long ago to savor every season. And I did. Not perfectly of course, but I did make some memories cuddling, reading stories, and letting them soak in the tub until their fingers and toes were all wrinkled. And I look forward to savoring the season of watching these three boys turn into young men.
I’ve had other seasons too. Seasons of being single. Seasons of working crazy hours in the corporate world. Seasons of marriage with a traveling husband. Seasons of homeschooling. Seasons of sickness. Seasons of baking bread and seasons of eating out way too much.
And all of the seasons are good.
Each season in its own right can be enjoyed, can be valued, and can share a lesson to be learned and carried forward into the season that comes after. But it’s up to me to savor the season I’m in – while I’m walking through it.
One day I will look back on my three boys just like I look back on days gone by with my two daughters, now ages 21 and 17. I’ve learned that every season is worth my presence and that every season doesn’t last forever. The days are long but the years are short. Make the most of today. Make the most of your season.
Even this holiday season – choose to savor.
I know it’s another holiday filled with lots of activities, meals to plan and cook, people to see whether we want to or not, and maybe some financial stress to deal with.
Savor the season anyway. Why? Because this to, good or bad, will pass.
Can I encourage you today to savor your season? While you may adore your season, it will end. You may abhor your season. It will end too. However, the joys and pains will each make you a better person if you will allow them. The good and the bad can work together to make you a woman well-fitted for the King. Our God let’s nothing go to waste. He uses everything for our good and for His glory.
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. He has made everything beautiful in its time…. Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 11(ESV)
