The recess bell of summer has rung! School is in session once again. Whether you are a mom with children back in school, teens starting high school, college students settling in on campus, or even if you are taking some classes on your own—it’s back to schedules, back to routine, and back to homework. No more lazy days of summer for any of us!
I often think of all the different changes that invariably push us into another season of our lives. Not the starting of school, the changing colors of nature, the falling leaves, or the cool, crisp change in the air – but the news of an impending move, the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, the unexpected diagnosis of an illness or disease, or a marriage becoming a divorce.
It’s like the bell rings on the normalcy of our days and all of a sudden we have to rearrange and rethink the schedule and routine of life.
My friend Karen was young, newly married, and pregnant. She and her husband lived in a small mobile home, and both of them worked while he took night classes to finish school in this new season of their lives. I’ll always remember how Karen chose to create a warm and inviting home that exuded contentment and peace.
Then several years later Karen was pushed into another season of change with breast cancer. She had a double mastectomy at the age of forty-one while caring for three young children.
Her indomitable spirit shined through her circumstances. Karen has chosen to live life to the fullest as she has had to redefine, rearrange, and rethink schedules, routines, and the many changes that come as she lives with cancer.
Rita, recently divorced, had relocated to Florida for a fresh start in life with a new job. When a hurricane hit the area, her condo was destroyed. She lost everything and had no flood insurance. The small business where she worked was also destroyed and never recovered. She didn’t know anyone, so she had to stay in temporary shelter at a school until she could live with relatives out of state. It took almost a year before Rita could find another job – in another state – and get back on her feet again. She still prays through the memories of that night.
A season of change turned Rita’s life upside down and inside out. Yet, I observed her resilience and courage as she would always cling to God, never giving up, and persevering with unshakable faith.
Within these women lives a strong faith in Jesus Christ, an unwavering hope, and a persevering spirit that enables them to push through their unwelcomed season of change. They inspired me with the testimony of their life and have deepened my own faith as I observed them on their new, life-changing, life-altering, journey.
Thank you to all the “Karens” and “Ritas” in my life, both near and far, who continue to teach me how to live through my own seasons of change. You have made Christ all the more real to me. I am blessed our paths have crossed.
And what about you, my friend? If you are facing, or even going through a season of change in your life, be encouraged.
You may feel so lonely, yet you are never alone – God IS with you.
Even when you can’t feel His presence, He IS there – always, forever, and no matter what.
You may want to give up, but hold on – God IS your steadfast anchor in the winds of change.
You may feel hopeless – God IS your everlasting hope through all seasons of life.
Embrace God’s word and wrap it around your heart today.
Surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14).
I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13).
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast . . . .” (Hebrews 6:19).
From My Heart . . .
