Phases

Everything in life has phases and cycles; that's the 'essence' of life so to speak, how God designed it.  Thinking about it actually spurs a million thoughts in my head at one time about all the amazing rhythms God created.  But that's not what I set out to write about tonight.  What's been on my mind (well, part of the million things on my mind that is) is the fact that children go through a gigantic amount of phases.  Like life itself, I think it's part of the essence of being a child; trying a little of this, a little of that.  Seeing what works, what doesn't.  Seeing what works for now, and what works for later.  Trying and retrying things.  Isn't that one of our main purposes as children; to learn who God made us to be and how to go about living that out?  Of course this 'purpose of childhood' includes playing, laughing, loving, learning and did I mention playing?...  

Anyways, over the past 15 months I've been amazed at just how many phases our boys, and all children for that matter, go through.  Daily requirements such as naps and eating patterns for example are in a never ending flux.  Just as soon as we get a routine down, change occurs and we are trying something new.  Yes, while the solid foundation and rhythm is set, I'd say the naps and lunch schedules are always in the biggest state of flux around here; giving us probably 2-3 week cycles at most (sometimes minor changes, sometimes bigger).  

But still, there are a huge number of other phases the boys go through each new month God blesses us with.  Some phases are longer such as favorite toys or activities.  Other phases are very short; life cycles of days or weeks only.  I've seen the boys pick up 'tempers' to realize they only experiment with this for a couple of days.  They've gone through 'yelling' phases or times of increased whining, but they only last a week or so.  A lot of their phases I see them 'pick up' from other children while out and about.  They try it out, see if it fits them and our family and then move on.  There are a lot of other phases though, that we honestly don't know where they picked it up.  I think the biggest one each parent faces at least once during childhood is the inevitable 'throw yourself on the ground' and/or 'stomping' in a temper/frustration.  It's not like parents occasionally or routinely throw themselves to the ground or stomp when they don't get their way!  So where do they get it?  

Other phases are what the ones that make me smile and I try to capture a lot in the blog to remember as they grow.  The sweet and silly phases of their childhood.  Certain laughs or 'cheese grins'  they develop that make me giggle on the spot.  Snuggle phases, hugs, kisses or other heart warming actions.  Certain ways they say things and little mannerisms such as their fun 'penguin walk' and shoulder shake when they get excited and dance.  

I guess I write this to share that there are just so many phases children go through.  It's so important to remember this as a parent.  It helps me embrace and hold on to the tiny details of each child; soaking them in and thanking God that I get to spend this precious time with them.  It also helps me remember during trying days/weeks that 'this too will pass'.  I remember one of the longest frustrating phases the boys went through centered around the highchair.  (This was the time they wanted to feed themselves but I didn't know they were ready for 'finger foods' yet...)  During this 'phase', I put a picture on the windowsill that lists the fruits of the Spirit.  It reminded me of things to focus on instead of the frustrating screaming at hand.  This phase is long since passed, but I leave it up there to remind me of the many phases children go through.  

Hold in your heart the precious moments and let God walk you through the stressful ones.