“The seasons change, and you change, but the Lord abides evermore the same, and the streams of His love are as deep, as broad, and as full as ever.”
Charles Spurgeon
Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heaven.” But what if you don’t like the current season that you’re in?
In last week’s post, I wrote about my present season of dormancy. God showed me a picture of a buoy in the middle of a vast ocean, bobbing up and down, to describe how I felt in this season. It’s as if I’m going nowhere, not forward to a new destination, nor backward to where I was in the past. I’m treading water, staying in one place, and going nowhere fast. That can be discouraging if I don’t stop and appreciate that God has me there for a purpose.
It’s tempting in this season to succumb to apathy and the dim flicker of my passion. Alan Fadling writes in An Unhurried Life, “Acedia (apathy or boredom) is a failure to appreciate the gifts of the present moment or the present season.” God challenged me to look at the gifts of the season of dormancy to reset my attitude. Focusing on what I lack won’t move me forward, whereas being thankful for this season's good strengthens my heart.
I’m grateful that this season of dormancy is less stressful because there’s less responsibility, and there’s no need to rush since there’s more margin in my schedule. In this “hidden” season of hibernation, I become more aware of what’s happening inside me. I’m more in touch with my true self, who God made me to be, and I find my value in who I am, not in what I do. This slower pace makes me more aware of God’s presence, allows me to hear His voice more clearly, and releases greater creativity. This season allows me to ponder more, which helps me understand deeper truths. Dormancy tenderizes my heart and encourages growth in humility as I see my need for God and others. I’ve become more present and have learned to show myself more compassion.
Whatever season you find yourself in, permit yourself to be there and embrace the gifts God specifically has for you.
“The Bible teaches that true joy is formed in the midst of the difficult seasons of life.”
Francis Chan
Relevant Reflection:
What season are you in? Make a list of the gifts of that season and thank God for them.
Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay
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