The Beauty in Seasons of Change
I was determined not to squash my daughter’s excitement with tears as we moved her into a new college home. This was an exciting time for her and, in turn, I was excited for her too! We drove up together, had fun decorating her new space and then it was time for hugs and good-byes. I was so proud as I hugged her neck without tears falling and smiled as I drove away looking at her happy face that held so much anticipation. I DID IT, no tears, but as I drove out of town, it hit me and the tears came even harder than I expected. I wasn’t crying for her, she was exactly where she was supposed to be; I was crying for me as a big part of my life was coming to an end and it was hard to let go of my baby girl who was now a young woman. Change is hard, even when you have had 18 years to prepare for it.
When a season comes to a close, we find ourselves feeling a wide range of emotions. We look back and wonder if we did all we could with the time we were given, and we look forward with anticipation toward what’s next. If we lean on our faith and trust the Lord to show us the way forward, we can begin to let go of the regrets of our past.
This is how I have felt lately as the season of my life has been shifting. My kids are growing up; I have one off to college and another with one foot already out the door. While this time brings some welcome freedom for me to pursue my passions, it also has me questioning if I fulfilled my role in raising my children well and wishing I could go back to correct the mistakes that I made.
As we learn to let go of our past mistakes and begin to navigate our new season, fear can creep in and leave us wondering if our purpose is changing as well. The truth is that God only gives us ONE true purpose in this life and that is to glorify Him in all things, that truth will never change. However, the way that purpose manifests itself in our lives may look different as we move into new seasons.
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
We may live our purpose in one season by raising up our children in the way they should go and in another by pouring into our co-workers, friends or church family. God will give us opportunities to shine His light and we are called in each season to embrace these opportunities and follow Him wherever He calls.
So Let’s choose faith over fear when we sense the winds of change blowing. If sadness comes along with some changes, allow yourself to acknowledge those emotions and then move on, leaning on the Lord as He leads you down the path paved just for you.
As seasons in our lives come to a close, we can trust in Him all the more as we rejoice in the memories He has given us, reflect on the ways He has grown us and anticipate the things He has prepared for us. Just one step starts a new journey.
Reflection
When seasons change in your life, do you tend to welcome the new with excitement or do you cling to the things that are ending and resist change?
When seasons are changing, what steps can you take to choose faith over fear?
What one step is God calling you to take to start your new journey?
Goal Setting & Sharing
What are three goals you can set to help you choose faith when your season is changing?
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV)
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails (Proverbs 19:21 NIV)
Introducing new CW Family writer, Melanie Wheeler!
I am a native Southeast Texas girl, born and raised in the Beaumont/Port Arthur area. I worked in financial services for 20 years, but God led me in another direction and I now serve at Calvary Baptist Church in Beaumont as our Senior Pastor’s Ministry Assistant and Prayer Minister. I have a passion for the written word, am an avid reader and love to learn new things. I see my writing is a form of therapy because it allows me to focus my busy mind on the facts at hand and share my heart with my readers. I love spending time with my husband, Lee, and our crazy blended family of 6. We have 2 currently in college and 2 left at home, so I guess you could say we are half way to an empty nest.
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