As Christians, we know that life is full of seasons. There are times of growth and times of rest. We also experience times of abundance and times of scarcity.
Seasons of change also happen in all stages of life. We grow up under the wings of our parents. We graduate and begin our own independent life journey. Our journey will take each of us in different directions as we answer God’s call for our lives. No matter what directions God takes us, the one constant we will all experience is change.
But no matter what season we’re in, God remains constant and faithful.
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately as I have been walking a season of change with my mom. This past month, we moved her to an independent living apartment. A place that provides for the whole continuum of care as individuals age.
15 years ago, I lost my dad. Mom lost her husband. In an instant at the age of 67 she was a widow. Dad was stung by a bee, went into anaphylactic shock and died.
14 years ago, I lost my sister. She lost her daughter. At the age of 38 years old she passed away after a long struggle with a disease that confined her to the four walls of her home.
Each of these moments thrust her into change. None of them were changes she anticipated.
We have choices when it comes to facing change. We can embrace the change or we can fight the change. We can ask why me or we can trust God to direct our path through the journey.
As human beings, we prefer to control our circumstances. Often wanting to stay with what we know. We hold on to what we know like the security of a blanket. We are warm and comfortable. We know what to anticipate.
Embracing change is the opposite. We are stepping out in faith. We are trusting God with our circumstances as he walks us through the unknown of the journey we face.
I am so proud of my mom! Her life changes were hard and filled with tears. There was a lot of unknown about what her future was going to hold. Despite this, she chose to trust God. She faced her life uncertainty with grace and bravery.
She chose to move forward instead of digging in her heels. She remained open and didn’t let the circumstances in her life change the core of who she is. A woman of faith, strength, love, confidence, and optimism.
My mom has been a witness of God’s goodness to all those she meets. She has met new lifelong friends. She has experienced the love and support of community. This happened as she opened her heart to others.
My mom has been a true role model for me. A role model of how to embrace change in life. She embraces life’s adventure and goodness. She does this with trust and faith in the one who never lets us fall.
So, how do we know when a new season is approaching? Here are some signs to look out for:
- Doors Opening and Closing: When new opportunities arise, and old ones come to a close, it may be a sign that God is directing you down a new path.
- Desires and Dreams Changing: When your heart’s desires start to shift, and you begin dreaming about new goals and directions, pay attention! This could be God realigning your hopes and dreams to match the new season He has for you.
- Divine Encounters and Revelations: Strategic people, conversations, resources, and ideas that come across your path can be a sign of a new season.
- Life Happens: Sometimes things just happen. Accidents happen. Health changes.
Embracing the Change
When we recognize that a new season is approaching, it’s essential to embrace the change. Here are some ways to do that:
- Let Go of Control: Recognize that you can’t control everything, and trust that God is in control.
- Focus on Growth: View the new season as an opportunity for growth, and ask yourself how you can become a wiser, more mature, and more faithful person.
- Pursue Community: Surround yourself with people who can support and encourage you as you navigate the new season.
In the midst of change, it’s comforting to remember that God remains constant. As the Bible says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
No matter what season you’re in, remember that God is always with you, guiding and directing you. Trust in His goodness, and have faith that He will lead you through the ups and downs of life.
Embrace the change. EnJOY the journey. You will be amazed at the new beginnings you experience with each of life’s new seasons.
With love and joy,
Laura
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