We're watching two of our daughters raise two of our grandsons. One is two years old, the other almost six months. Mothering comes naturally to both of them, as they devote everthing in their lives to best nurturing their little guys.

This month, I will become a parent again of sorts. My almost-79-year-old mother will be coming to live with us. Her health has declined this past year, and she has lost much of her independence. This has necessitated stays in several of my siblings' homes. No longer is she caring for her eight children, it's our turn to care for her.

As I look out on the snow this January morning and realize that soon the spring flowers will be pushing up through the thawing ground, I'm reminded of the changes in seasons. They come as surely as the sun that continues to rise each day. They also come to our lives. When I think of my mother coming, I realize I'm entering a different season, and just as I dress to fit the temperatures on the outside, I must dress my life to fit the seasons that hit from within.

In our world, success is all about what we achieve and names we make for ourselves. Even in the Christian world, we often long for ministries that offer dignity and acclaim. In the search, we sometimes overlook the most important opportunities that God has placed before us, much like Moses did when God had to ask him, "What's in your hand?" (Ex. 4:2). I don't know what all is in my hand in the years to come, but for today, my call is to care for my mom. I can treat this season as an intrusion, an interruption to my strivings. On the other hand, I can treat it as a privilege and work just as hard to accept and succeed at this challenge.

There's another thing to consider, however, besides just doing the job. I can accomplish the required tasks with a good attitude or with resentment. I wrote a blog on 11/15/07 called "Laughing Heart, Dancing Eyes." There I discussed the importance of not only giving, but giving with a cheerful heart. I need to remind myself of those same truths while giving every day to my mom. And these truths will still be true if one day the season in my children's lives ask them to care for their mom.

Our daughters' lives in music and law are on hold right now for two very good reasons, Jaedon and Jax. Some of my life will be on hold as well for a very good reason: Her name is Audrey. Just as our daughters bathe, feed, and make their sons feels secure, I must do the same for Mom. It may not be as glamorous as some of the roles I'll be called to play, but I know it will be just as pleasing to God--perhaps even more.

What season are you in today? What roles have you been called to play? Is it something that brings you glory or gives the glory to God?

Let's encourage and pray for one another to accomplish our tasks well, whatever it is, whatever season it demands. Let's do the job, and let's do it with a cheerful heart. God has called us to it, and now He's watching to see how we do.