The calendar says spring, yet the temperature outside still says winter. When I walked my dog this morning, I needed my winter coat, my hat and mittens. Minnesota fights the change from winter to spring. It simply does not want to let go.
I realized that my heart is the same way. I get settled into one season and before I know it a new season is approaching. Life is constantly shifting us from one season to the next. Do you transition well from one season to the next? I am like a Minnesota winter. I don’t like to let go.
Last week, we moved my daughter to Florida. She is officially on her own. My son has been on his own for the past three+ years now. Rob and I have made it to empty-nesting status. I am going to be honest; I can’t believe we have reached this stage of life. I am not happy about it. Now what do I do?
While God has been preparing me in the past several years, coming home to an empty house has been quite a shift in seasons. While I am struggling in the unknown of what God for me, God is not rattled, dismayed, or surprised. In fact, He has this next season all laid out. It’s a season of new things, and new adventures for my husband and me. My job is to trust Him and embrace each day as it unfolds.
God gives each of us one day at a time to live out what He has for us.
What shifting season do you find yourself in today? Ukrainians are facing great loss, all at the hands of one man. COVID has changed the “normal” we were used to. Inflation is causing many families to make some drastic changes. What do you do when tomorrow seems uncertain? Your spouse leaves you; your boss lets you go; your adult child doesn’t want to speak to you anymore; a parent dies unexpectedly. Life is tough. Life is also inconsistent and unforgiving.
Thank God that He is oh so different. He knows about every detail that is happening in your life, and He cares enough to keep His hand on you. For those who love God, He causes everything to work together for good; see Romans 8:28. Continue reading Romans 8 and be reminded that nothing can separate you from His love.
“No power in the sky above or in the earth below, indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us form the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”39
While my heart and mind may want to hold onto my mothering season, God has much for me to do in this latter season of life. My friend in Florida spoke some wise words to me last week. Very fitting for me as I face what’s next in the second half of life. Her words are also applicable to anyone who is facing a new season, “Share what you know.” God teaches you things in your present season. You gain knowledge and experience. As you enter into a new season, whether by choice or not, share what you know with others, and keep learning new things.
God wants you to constantly learn about life. Your life begins and ends with Him. He created you. You have a calling that needs to be carried out. You need Jesus so you can live out what God has for you. You need His Word, the Bible, to learn from.
When you have God, His Son, and the Holy Spirit, you can shift seasons more easily knowing that good things lie ahead. You can trust that He will walk with you today as well as tomorrow. If tomorrow doesn’t come, you are in good hands for that means Jesus came for you and He is taking you home, and home is what your heart is longing for, to be home with Christ where your faith will be made into sight. Oh, what a happy day that will be.
Take the time to listen to the song, “I Can Only Imagine,” by Mercy Me, and enter into your new season filled by the love of God and the hope of a glorious tomorrow.
Carol J German 