SEASONS

We are now several weeks into our brand new school year. My kids are all in school full-time now and it honestly makes me feel a bit strange. Although Zoe was in preschool last year I would only send her 3 or 4 days per week because I just couldn’t handle waking her sweet little chubby cheeks from peaceful slumber most mornings. Besides I missed her too much and she’s my baby. I would often take her to staff meeting and lunch appointments and any excuse to go to Target was always fun. Now, I don’t have the option of keeping her home so it’s definitely an adjustment and a new season for this mama.

Its apparent on the calendar and in nature (although it’s still hot in Florida until November) the Seasons are changing. Fall and all of its crisp air, cozy blankets, football on the Weekends, oversized sweatshirts and of course Pumpkin everything is greatly anticipated by The Smith Family. But not all seasons in our life are so warmly embraced. There are seasons of joy and seasons of loss and pain. There are seasons of frustration and seasons that feel easy and uncomplicated. I’m sure just like me you have experienced the very same realities of this unpredictable life we are all journeying through.

You will most likely hear me say this very often but our perspective is key to maintaining joy in every season no matter what our reality might look like in the moment. I recently watched a TED Talk with a man named Rory Sutherland and he made a statement that struck such a chord in me. He said, “Things are not what they are; they are what we think they are.” Our minds are the battlefield for our emotional well-being. What we allow to dominate our thinking will ultimately be the reality we choose to see. Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get discouraged and give up.” What an encouraging verse to help remind us that if we keep doing good, no matter the season and we choose to not give up…in the right timing we WILL reap a harvest. God promises He will turn our situation into a blessing. I know you may be tired today. I know you may feel frustrated today. I know you may be ready for a new season to start. Just keep going. Your harvest is coming.

So, let’s think about the goodness that can be found throughout our lives. We have so much to be thankful for yet it’s often easier to see the negative because well, it just is. My reality is in this season I have moments of sadness that try to creep in and discourage me. I miss my kids when they are at school, my to-do list never seems to be crossed out entirely, I have a mountain of laundry to do and I don’t feel overly accomplished in my calling lately. BUT I’m taking steps forward to listen to God and to have the clear perspective that my blessing will come because I will never quit, oh trust me I’ve thought about it but I just won’t do it. Choose with me today to keep going and not get weary in doing good. God will come through for you and your season will surely change. I just know it.

**PS, if you need a team to watch while sipping your Pumpkin Spice latte’ The Noles are our team and we will gladly share.