For the Last Time

     All through the years of child rearing I used the phrase "for the last time", but didn't mean it.

     "For the last time, SIT DOWN!"
     "For the last time, BE STILL!"
     "For the last time, PICK UP YOUR TOYS!"

     For the last time simply meant if I had to say it again, child rearing would involve their rear. I would be repeating "for the last time" for many years. It was not until the children started leaving home that for the last time became accurate. Will moved out nearly ten years ago but, since he has been in nursing school, has spent the last three summers at home. He viewed this as favor showing support for higher education in general and him in particular, we viewed it as a bonus showing appreciation for a home in general and us in particular. Will will graduate and become an R.N. next spring and a husband sometime next summer. We are very pleased about both of these accomplishments, but it means his summers in our home have happened for the last time and there is sorrow in that thought.
     I console myself with the knowledge that not only will Will be visiting in the years to come, but he will be bringing his wife with him, meaning our investment in him (unlike most of our investments) will have actually doubled. In future years, it may even yield a stock split. I also find comfort in remembering that when he moved out at 20, I had no reason to anticipate these bonus Will-full summers. None of us know what wonderful things God may have in store for us. His bottomless blessings come with free refills and last for the last times.