What season are you in?

Life seems to operate in one season or another. As mothers, we sometimes find ourselves cheerfully going with the ebb and flow of the days. Other times, it seems like we are struggling to get it together. To find ourselves. To just be….without feeling like we are losing all of ourselves in the (sometimes monotony) of the day-to-day.

As stay at home mothers, people sometimes assume that our lives are very simple. For those of us that homeschool our children, it’s even “easier.” Our kids read a book or two and just hang out and play all day. I can barely type that without laughing. But truthfully, depending upon what’s happening in our lives, our lives may closely resemble a particular season.

 Some parts of life are like summer. That is when the living seems easier. Our homeschool is out…or maybe taking a break. We can bask in long, sunny days and things just naturally seem effortless. Our relationships seem to thrive as we have more free time to hang out with friends and family. The carefree feel of the breeze that summer brings makes us happy because hey — what’s not to be happy about it in the summer? Ice cream, flip-flops and fireworks — you’re talking my language! Summer seems to naturally put us at ease with whatever is happening around us….or at least we seem to feel more confident to deal with whatever is happening around us.

Then the season starts to change…. Autumn brings a cool, refreshing change. Yes it is boot and sweater weather. The smell of caramel apples and pumpkin everything fill the air but for some, there is a twinge of nostalgia of days lost and the foreboding reminder of what lies ahead. We start to get settled into a new routine for homeschooling. We are trying to get the kids — and ourselves — excited about this new curriculum.  As the cooler days start to arrive, our focus starts to shift. It seems like the glory days of summer were so long ago. Cooler temps cause us to bundle up to stay warm.  For others they are spiritually covering themselves to keep others out. Routines and busyness can take over days. Isolation can start to set in. For some, the beauty of fall is no longer noticed. Watching the leaves fall makes some reflect on what’s happening in their own lives. What’s changing? What is God allowing to be stripped away?

And then, as certain as ever, winter arrives. The cold, bitter harshness of a season that indiscriminately tests the mettle of us all. Winter has a way of testing the resolve of people. It’s a time when things are dormant and still. It’s a time when we are often challenged. The holiday season is upon us and we find ourselves feeling rushed and distracted. Our children are not interested in daily lessons. They are bored and ready for something new — usually something fun. Winter is a time when things around us are changing FAST. Things are starting to die…or are they? Does the gloominess of the winter lead us to believe that the things around us are all dead? Or is it the time of year, just like in our lives, God is doing something behind the scenes.

In the winter, things are very much alive. In those cold, dreary days, we may struggle to see it….but the hope of spring and what it represents is there. When you find yourself in life’s winter moments, there are three things you can do endure, or perhaps even enjoy, this season of life – pray, listen and trust.

God reminds us in Isaiah 43:19 — Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. As your winter starts to move into spring, don’t be afraid to talk to the Lord about what’s on your heart. He already knows our deepest fears and insecurities. He knows when we feel inadequate and when we feel brave. Precious friend, he even knows when we think He has forgotten us. Know that He hasn’t. As precious daughters of the King, He desires fellowship with us. Pray. Open your heart to the One who created you and loves you so deeply. Listen to the words He wants to impart into your spirit. Allow Him to encourage you and reassure you of the journey He has you on. Trust that your Heavenly Father has your best interest at heart. As the Word reminds us in Deuteronomy 31:6 He will never leave nor forsake us.  Take solace in knowing that when your spring comes God will be doing a new thing in you. It will be something special. It will be something new and it will all be for His glory. Just trust Him.