Celebrating the Seasons

It was "Stripe Test" day in my Martial Arts class. I had gone to the morning class, tested, and received my yellow belt. I also attended the evening class, where, after the stripes were awarded, the instructor asked us to "take a knee" before he handed out the belts.

He began to tell a story about "seasons". At the word, I switched into "Yes-God-I'm-listening" mode. That's not to say that I kicked back and took it all in. No, more often, it's like a mini wrestling match inside of me.

One part wants to run - far, far away. "La, la, la.... I can't HEAR you!"

Another focuses in on the concepts being presented and reminds the part that wants to run that this IS applicable. "We've BEEN through Seasons.... It's GOOD, remember?"

Yet another notices whats going on with my body itself. "oh! Heart paused at that word. Now it's racing. Breathe! don't forget to breathe! Yeah, that lump in your throat.... pretty sure it's gonna be there for a bit...."

And the whole while, there is the undercurrent of the Gentle Voice Within saying "Listen. Pay attention. This is important. Listen. Pay attention. This is important. Listen...."

And somehow, through all of that, the message sticks.

"We all experience seasons." I think back through a few of my own: My season of loss, where my dear friend Karen and my father died within months of each other. Not long after was the loss of my marriage and three beloved dogs.

Yet, in that season, I learned much. From Karen and my dad, I learned that "Love never ends". I also felt the presence of God in a way that I had never experienced before. I watched Him bring beauty from ashes as I walked through the divorce process. Faithfully, He showed up when I needed Him most - physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially....

I think back the the birth of my children, and the exhausting season of joy that accompanied them. They've grown and changed and continue to do so.

I felt the ache of conviction when the instructor suggested that perhaps, from time to time, we focus on getting OUT of a current season, rather than being present within it. "I can't wait til they're out of diapers." "I can't wait til school is done." "If I can just get through these next few days, weeks or years, then....." Yeah. Been there.

It's a lesson He's been working on with me. So, Yes, Lord... I hear you. Little by little, I make steps toward your plans for me in that regard.

But, what really stood out for me was when he challenged us to celebrate them and their passing. Live the moments fully while we're in the midst of them. Yet, as their time closes, we step fully into the next season - with joy and purpose.

My season as a white belt has ended, and I have stepped into yellow.

How perfectly timed as He changes some other areas of my life. May I savor the moments and cherish the days. But more importantly, may I follow where He leads, and celebrate the changing of the seasons He brings.

Seasons of Change

There is definitely something changing. Yes, the seasons are beginning to transition from summer to autumn, and yes, there is a storm brewing as I type. But, that's not what I mean...

Something internal. As I sit, feeling the winds that precede the storm moving through my house, and hear the distant thunder, I feel something similar inside.

Something is brewing. There is longing for something yet defined. The colors are beginning to appear, but they are, thus far, formless.

The feeling in the air before the rain appears is similar to what I feel in my gut. But, it doesn't feel like "rain" or "a storm" is coming. It's different. It's joyful. New. Exciting.

It's weird, though. Some of the things I have loved - seemingly forever - I'm beginning to not care for. Seriously, Diet Coke and chocolate chip cookies just don't do it for me anymore.

On one hand, that's a HUGE answer to prayer, on the other, it leaves me feeling a strange void. No cookies? C'mon. I wonder - but hardly dare to speak - if my taste for pizza will leave me as well.

Curiouser and curiouser this life becomes. Onward I walk, trusting He will lead.

As I do, I sit with this feeling, trying not to ask TOO often:

"Where are we going, Papa?"

Seasons

It's a beautiful evening here in Middle Tennessee. It's still too humid to REALLY feel like fall, but there is a chill in the air and as I walked, I could smell a campfire. A hint of the change of seasons is upon us. YES!

Sometimes, I really love change. I love to watch God's handiwork as the scenes merge. Seasons come and go - sometimes abruptly, sometimes more gradually. Either way, they unfold as they should.

We are approaching one of my favorite seasons - Autumn. Harvest. Thanksgiving. Gratitude. Cool evenings and still warm afternoons. Streamingl sunshine and beautiful colors adorning the trees. Who could ask for more!?

It's funny, though. I am much less excited about changing seasons in my life. They are no less important or beautiful. I am just more attached to the process and how I think it should go. I know fully that there are reasons for change - and some I love. Others, not so much.

When they come gradually, as many have this past year, they are less disturbing. Yet, it is often the changes that come abruptly, and knock me to my knees that bring me closer in my walk with God.

Seasons come and seasons go... in the world, in my life, and in the lives of those around me.''

I am grateful for his hand in changing of the seasons.