As I write this, the rains pour out my window on a cool Fall day. Just a few days ago we were setting record temps and it’s supposed to warm up again tomorrow, but for today, Autumn has arrived.
In this changing of seasons, I’m finding myself reflecting on various seasons of life. The fact that I went almost a year without a single blog post is one small piece of evidence that shows me the most recent stage had been one of survival. It was a wonderful year and a half with so many adventures and joys, but with full schedules, new challenges, and more responsibility, my focus centered on the moment right in front of me. Sometimes, I think we see seasons of “survival” as a bad thing… as if we should be doing more than just survive. We must “thrive”, right?!? But just as each season of the year has its place, I find myself thankful for this last season I found myself in.
As mentioned above, seasons of survival give focus. I couldn’t plan everything out or control what might happen next; I had to stay centered on the present. That is a gift.
I also find that seasons of survival teach me dependence. Whether I have to depend on other people to help me, depend on what I know or have experienced to get me through a tough situation, or simply depend on God for all the things that are just too much, seasons of survival are seasons of dependence.
One final lesson learned in this most recent phase is one I feel like God finds ways to teach me in every phase: Grace.
John 1:16 says, “For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.“
This past season was no exception. Day upon day, moment upon moment, God poured out His grace upon grace. I find myself beyond thankful for this sustaining, restoring, peace-filled gift in the midst of this season.
But as seasons often too, it’s time for a change. I’m not sure what word may categorize this next phase, but I’m excited to see what the Creator of the Seasons has in store!
joyfullyblessedblog.com 