The winds of change are in the air. Nights are cooler, leaves are drying, and garden produce is on the wane. Summer is giving way to fall.
As I write today, I know that the season of my life is also changing. The season ahead is unclear; I feel as if I’m in a fog as I write.
Nature’s changing seasons are usually accompanied by storms: rain, thunder and lightning, wind. I shouldn’t be surprised that there is a storm with the approach of my own new season. Rumbles of resistance to change couple with temptations to remain the same, clouds of second-guessing roll in on fog banks of fear and doubt, winds of anxiety and anger roar; you get the picture.
In this season of personal change, the storm is preventing me from having much perspective, other than maybe glimpsing the next step. So, in this moment I’m reminding myself of this:
As I say “yes” where I used to say “no”, and as I say “no” where I was addicted to saying “yes”, I am cooperating with God. He’s the One who transforms the old season into the new. (If all that sounds confusing, just read Romans 7. Especially verses 14-20. You’ll see I’m in good company!)
While I don’t like the storm, I can appreciate its value. Storms force me to choose what I will hold to, and what I will release. If I choose wisely, I will have a strong foundation, even in the whipping winds. Otherwise, I’ll flop around like last summer’s scarecrow, at the slightest breeze of resistance!
There is an anticipation when nature’s seasons change. I am looking forward to the cooler days and nights of fall and “sweater weather”, as well as seeing the bright colors of leaves and enjoying pumpkin flavored coffee at the coffee shops! The arrival of fall will not be prevented; it might as well be enjoyed.
Change is happening in my life; whether I feel ready or not. Although a new season is unsettling, I know there will be new blessings. New growth. New opportunities. And yes, some bittersweet memories. This storm will past. I will look back and scratch my head as to why I’ve struggled so much. I will be reminded all over again that God proves Himself present, and faithful, in every season.
God speaks:
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up, do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43: 19
May we respond:
And let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. Galatians 6:9
I fully believe that once again you will be able to look back on this season and shake your head in wonder, saying, “Wow… Look what God did.” I’m anticipating what this new season will hold.
to which I simply say… “YES!!!” 🙂