Changing Seasons

Recently, we welcomed our third grandchild into the world. What a wonderful blessing! With new life — a new season begins.

Are you currently in a new life season?

I remember the very moment I first learned I was going to be a grandmother. It was ten years ago and initially, I was taken by surprise. Mike and I had just become empty nesters — a season of anticipation, reduced responsibility, and a time for us to worry less about our kids and focus more on the future. The word “Grandmother,” was not on my radar.

For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Changes

Throughout life, we all go through seasons of change — some anticipated — others are completely unexpected. We experience changes in our ages, families, and employers. Changes in locations, surroundings, and laws. Changes in trends, technologies, and opportunities. Our lives are in constant motion and are constantly changing.  There’s often a new adventure around the corner — we must simply embrace the change.

Is it time for you to courageously adjust to a new normal?

Grandmother

Some new seasons, we bring about ourselves, through the decisions we make. Others, simply happen and require we conform. I easily adjusted to becoming a grandmother. After the initial surprise, I jumped in with both feet. Every moment spent with our granddaughter and grandsons is a treasure. We cherish every conversation, laugh, and hug. This season of life is truly a blessing. Even the messy side — diapers and all. We consider it a privilege and joy to simply be part of the experience.

Sure, there have been adjustments along the way. Like the realization that I am getting older, can’t move as fast as I used to, and don’t understand some of the technology that’s second nature to my grandkids. But, there are challenging moments in every new life season. So I chose to focus on the positive and make modifications when and where necessary.

New Normal

Some changes in life are more difficult to adjust to than others. For example, when we lose a loved one, lose a job, or experience a serious health problem, the adjustment can be intense, painful, and sometimes lengthy. There are seasons of difficulty when it takes every ounce of energy we’ve got to simply make it through the day.

Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles. (Psalm 119:50)

If you’re currently going through a difficult life season, it’s important to remember – in the same way, we experience Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter, life seasons have their cycles too. There will be times in life that require permanent adjustments. However, the heartache, sadness, and pain will lessen when we lean on the Lord and allow him to carry our burdens. Through it all, God has a plan and purpose for each of us. Where one door closes, quite often — an even greater opportunity is revealed.

For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness.  I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. (Isaiah 43:19)

Have you or someone you love recently experienced a life change? Will you trust God and lean on him as you navigate your new normal?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:5-6)