"For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT)
As summer fades into fall, I'm hit with an array of emotions. If I had it my way, I'd live in 90-degree temperatures year-round. Unfortunately, Ohio living doesn't offer quite a luxury vacation. The four seasons are beautiful, stunning in their splendor and varying degrees. But each one requires us to embrace change.
Since I started writing full-time, I've been making daily walks without technology a practice of mine. While many days are easier than others, I love it. Not only do I get a mental refresh, but I notice I can meditate and talk to God more clearly. No distractions, music, urgent texts, or temptations to do emails. Just me, nature, and my God.
Last week, during one of my walks, I noticed a familiar maple tree turning slightly orange. I thought to myself how terrifying it must be to be a leaf. To be forced into change so quickly, yet slowly—so paradoxical. To not know the future that lay ahead. And I thought to myself, I wonder if it's better that way?
Leaves, like many of us, embrace beautiful seasons. Spring and summer bloom beautiful flowers and lush pastures. Fresh greenery lights up every face. But fall and winter tell a different story. Though they are stunning, their contrast can seem harsh. Crisp reds, burnt tangerines, and faded yellows are not the known and familiar sage evergreens we're used to seeing.
For a moment, they are breathtaking. In a second, they are gone. Empty and barren trees fill their places. I wonder if the leaves wonder what's happened to them. Where have they gone? And yet, they embrace the change in seasons, knowing there is beauty in every one of them. Knowing there is something even more beautiful to come.
This fall, I'm in a new season myself. I sense myself growing fearful and anxious as the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer. And yet, I know that God has a purpose and plan for every weathering season, just like He has a purpose and plan for me.
Seasons are the perfect opportunity to witness the beauty of change and learn to embrace it more gracefully. While it's a process, God is with us in every transition. We must learn to let go of things that no longer serve us and embrace new beginnings. Without each season, we'd never know the beauty of spring, summer, winter, and fall.
Dear God, Embracing change can feel much like embracing the change of seasons. We know that every season of our lives has a purpose and that you have a good plan for us, but facing these things can be scary. Jesus, we ask for your guidance as we navigate this next season you have for us. Help us to let go of things we need to release and make room for the new things you have in store. Though change can be challenging, please remind us of its immense beauty, growth, and renewal in our lives. Amen.
This week, try implementing one of the following practices into your routine:
-Taking a nature walk without technology.
-Sitting outside and taking time to journal or reflect on the change you see around you.
-Praying a prayer of release.
-Thinking about what you do and don't like about change and taking the time to wrestle through those thoughts.
-Memorizing Ecclesiastes 3:1 and reciting it when you're hesitant or sense change coming.
-Decorating your home as each season comes along so you have something to look forward to doing.
-Practicing mindfulness while sipping a hot cup of tea and looking outside your window.
-Connecting with your community by participating in a seasonal activity or race (one of my favorite fall traditions is apple picking)!
-Making plans for a festive date night (attend a pumpkin, sunflower, or apple festival)!
-Creating a seasonal bucket list (full of favorite movies, TV shows, treats, hikes, adventures, sights to see, decorations to purchase, and more. The sky is the limit on this one. Don't be afraid to be creative and include road trips if you like to travel)!
Agape, Amber
Photo Credit ©GettyImages/fcscafeine
Related Resource: Anxiety: Practical Steps for Healing in Christ
Anxiety is debilitating and can leave us feeling overwhelmed, alone, and defeated. But what if there were practical steps and biblical truths that could lessen the load and aid us in our freedom journeys with mental health struggles? Pastor and Licensed Professional Counselor Susan Thomas joins me to discuss this today! Like what you hear? Subscribe to Bought + Beloved with Kirby Kelly on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Friday, 04 October 2024.
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