It feels fresh, tinged with the excitement of the new. Yet welcoming a new season also brings those latent feelings of uncertainty. After the initial joy of embracing our favorite parts of the new season, life reminds us change often sparks anxiety. Of course, not all change is bad, but navigating any change in a healthy way presents a challenge.
Every season of life for the believer comes with God’s intended purpose and significance; receiving each with open hands and a willing heart dispels fear of change.
Choosing an attitude of curiosity when facing each new season helps keep us in the present moment, connected with God so we can receive His goodness, rather than rushing ahead to all the “what ifs”.
Welcome to Mindfulness Monday! Where we learn some easy ways to be more present “in the moment” at our jobs, in our homes, with our families and friends.
Learning to recognize God and what He has for us in each divine moment He offers. We acknowledge the belief that God is with us always.
We confess His presence is available to us, lifting our spirit and helping us with power and grace. Learning the art of “stillness” so we can hear His voice and view ourselves, others and our surroundings through His eyes.
Seasonal Hospitality
Demonstrating seasonal hospitality, we decorate our homes with signs of the season, enjoy seasonal activities, and savor seasonal recipes. How can we show similar hospitality to life seasons we may transition through?
As changes, often unexpected, usher us forward into new seasons of life, creating a welcoming atmosphere within our hearts, involves intentionality.
Solomon eloquently speaks of the many seasons of life in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, both seasons of joy, and those of sorrow or hardship. Yet he attributes God’s purpose in all seasons.
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1, 14 KJV
Solomon’s style throughout the Book of Ecclesiastes includes many questions, inviting the reader to reason with him. Perhaps when faced with unpleasant life changes, God likewise invites us to confront our fears through questions.
Questions for a New Season
While each astronomical season reminds us change is a part of life, the arrival of Autumn comforts us with the truth of the stunning glory of change. Yet, I often fail to see life’s changes in that way until long after they transpire.
But what if instead of immediately resisting or fearing the next life change God chooses, you welcomed it with the kind curiosity of a hostess?
At times God allows uncomfortable changes for the purpose of moving us into a new beginning, or bringing to a necessary close those things He has completed in our lives.
God welcomes our sincere questions, and as a good Father, delights in revealing Himself to us through answering them. Just as a child becomes less fearful when their questions receive kind reassurance, God longs for us to welcome a new season through our questions.
Glad You Asked
Mindfully review a current life season change before you. Make time for sitting quietly with God without distractions. I find meditating on a verse helps me situate in God’s Presence. My favorite verse for this time is:
“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
Then bring the following questions to God with a humble and open heart.
- What purpose do you have for me in this new season?
- What necessary things must I learn in this new season?
- What must change in order for me to grow in this new season?
Remember, God desires our complete surrender and willingness to change in order to conform us to the image of Jesus. For a new beginning to occur, change must happen in the life of every disciple of Christ.
Welcoming a New Season
Paramount in welcoming a new season, is allowing God to be God in each season. Each new life season invites us to open to change, and though challenging, change becomes a catalyst for growth and maturity.
When we rest in the knowledge of God’s sovereign ways, we trust His goodness within a safe, abiding relationship. Comforted in remembering He knows the beginning from the end of our story, we embrace a new season with Joy.
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I love living in an area that actually has seasons. While fall isn’t one of my favorites of the four, it does bring time for reflection as you mention. Thanks for your encouraging words, Donna.
Lisa, I agree, it’s so nice to have the opportunity to experience all each season offers us!
Since I am not a person who enjoys change, I loved this post. “Creating a welcoming atmosphere within our hearts, involves intentionality.” That is so it, Donna, isn’t it When we create a welcoming atmosphere in our hearts, our hearts will be more conducive to change. I want to learn and grow in every season of life. Thank you for the precious reminder that He is the God of every season.
Joanne, I am right with you on the reluctance to embrace change, but God is truly showing me the positive side to change, and how fearing change can actually stunt my personal and Christian growth!