On any given day in  a large family there are needs and desires. Usually only one child or possibly another will need something - it will be the "special" time of her life to get the attention. But most of the children will be coasting through life, just being part of the family with a request or need only here and there. Occasions such as graduations, weddings and illnesses naturally will bring more attention and thought to one child for her "season".
Recently, I have been overwhelmed with so many of my children going through their "special" seasons at the same time. Rachel being pregnant and Sarah graduating are glorious reasons to celebrate. Some of the needs may not be super serious, they just require attention.
For instance, Hannah has been having episodes of dizziness and headaches for a long time and they've gotten worse. We have been going to doctors for about five months now and seem to be getting close to answers, but that takes a lot of time and thought. Mary is moving out of the bedroom she has been sharing with Lydia and moving upstairs with the "big girls". That has taken a lot of time and thought. Lydia is going through a season of spiritual questions that take more than time and thought than I thought a nine year old could have. I needed Help from our Holy God. Many nights, I was reduced to long night prayer times. It's a good thing that night time prayers do not deduct from the sleep bank.
These past few weeks have been such a relief to me. With school out and everything settling down, I am thankful that God answered my prayers for a break. Rachel has a beautiful baby and doing great. Hannah is taking medication for now and seeing the cardiologist again next week. Mary gets to sleep in her own room tonight by herself. Abigail has made it two nights in a row without waking anyone up before 6:00. Lydia has been reading her Bible every night (as well as morning) until she falls asleep. I love how smoothly our home runs when I am at home for long periods of time and am able to manage it more thoughtfully.