SCRIPTURE:
'To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.'
Ecclesiastes 3:1
OBSERVATION:
King Solomon, the wisest man to ever exist, reminds us of the importance of knowing and navigating through every season of life because there is wisdom in doing the right thing at the right time.
Right now, in this season of fatherhood, finding the right method is heavy on my heart as I continue to heed one of the best pieces of advice given to me by Uncle Dan Shima when Jillian Marley was born. He told me to create moments and memories with her. And he made sure to say he wasn’t talking about huge moments like trips to Disneyland. He said they didn’t need to be big, just little things that she could look forward to and cherish forever.
One of those moments that we started when she was just a baby was “Coffee Bean with Jilly Bean.” We would drive to our neighborhood Coffee Bean, sit at our table, and listen to different types of music, ranging from Sinatra to her namesake, Bob Marley. We even made up a theme song about our daily morning adventure! We started going when she was 6 months old and continued the tradition for years. Even adding Eden to the mix eventually.
While I’d love to say Coffee Bean with Jilly Bean is going on strong in Year 16, sadly that’s not necessarily the case. The season has changed, so my method has to change. We still go every morning before school, but instead of hanging on our favorite table browsing through Spotify, we brave the morning traffic, talking about school, life, food and anything she wants to.
APPLICATION:
While it makes me sad at times and could have me longing for the good ‘ole days, I’m instead committed to try a different method. Cause you see, Coffee Bean wasn’t the purpose behind our morning ritual, it was making memories through quality time. It was intentionally carving out a moment in the day to give her my undivided attention, something she could look forward to and always count on. It was a time to hear what’s exciting her, and sometimes what’s scaring her. And as she enters a new stage of life on a stage bigger than any she’s ever stood on, I need her to know I’m available and I’m unconditional. The principal hasn’t changed, that’s creating memories, but the method has to.
So how do I find the right method for the season? Keep trying. Some things might make work, and some might strike out. Keep trying! And, like the words of Ecclesiastes says, I need to be attentive to the season God has my daughters in, and be willing to switch up the method while never compromising the principal. So as the seasons turn, turn, turn, I’ll remain steadfast to be seize each and every moment to continue to prioritize the principals.
PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for the season of fatherhood you have me in. May my eyes and mind remain steadfast in the moment trusting Your perfect plan. Amen
