I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God (Ecclesiastes 3:12,13).

The kids and I run down the daily schedule in the van every day on the way to school. “Dad will pick you up after practice, I’ll get you from the car rider line and we’ll go straight to your doctor’s appointment, and you will walk home right after school. Don’t forget you have piano lessons this afternoon. Mama loves you! Make good choices!”

One of our children has always been ten steps ahead of the rest of us when it comes to the schedule. There’s not so much concern for what’s happening today as there is with what’s happening this weekend, and what we’re doing next month or for the holidays this year. I often tell said child that “this isn’t the time” to be discussing events so far into the future. I’ve got all the details handled, but mom and her sometimes frazzled brain prefer to take things one day at a time…please and thanks.

What a gift we all enjoyed in childhood–to merely exist, go to school, and relish our everyday lives while our parents managed the big picture and all the details that come with it!

In the same way God manages the details of our lives, and our jobs are to “be happy and do good while we live.” It’s harder to accept this gift as adults, but it IS a gift!

There’s a time for everything (Ecc 3:1), including a time to be wise and realize we don’t have to manage every little thing happening around us, because God’s already got it under control. He’s never frazzled or overwhelmed by the sheer volume of details to our human lives. Whatever God has decided, that’s the way it's going to be, no more and no less (Ecc 3:14), and I’m at a place in my life where I can appreciate that for what it is: a divine gift! There’s peace in knowing He’s got it all in hand, just like the peace our kids have knowing mom and dad have it handled.

Parents and grandparents of school aged children: this time of year is no joke. It’s the busiest time of the school year, and it’s a lot to manage. Take heart knowing God goes before you and is in all the details. Summer is coming, and with the change in season a (hopefully) slower pace of life. We can all pray this together today: God give us the wisdom to accept Your gift during this busy season, and in all seasons! Amen.