I haven’t written in a while. Seasons were changing.
Let me explain.
In life, there is a season for everything - sports, weather, TV shows, hunting, etc. - and if we make it through all of those seasons, we are, in theory, supposed to grow in some way.
Well, over the last season of my life I have learned a few lessons I’d like to share with you.
GRATITUDE: Sometimes for your life to progress, you just need to show gratitude for all that God and the universe have provided to you.
It is often easy to feel that we are being gracious. However, just like a back-handed compliment, complaining about the blessings you’ve been given (even if you don’t recognize them as blessings) only makes it harder to recognize your blessings as such.
Once I learned this lesson and I began becoming more grateful, in my particular situation, for my home and all the good things it has to offer, my living situation changed. We are about to make a big decision in this regard and it is absolutely a result of showing God that I am grateful for what He provided us.
TURN THE OTHER CHEEK: Honestly, I’m still trying to learn this one.
38“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.”- Matthew 5:38-40
This lesson is, by-far, one of the hardest life lessons I have ever had to learn. As humans- or perhaps this is just me- we are not naturally driven to do this. When someone is a jerk to me, my natural instinct is to either run or fight back. Fight or flight, right?
No. Jesus is asking us to pray for those who persecute us. Have you ever tried this? Have you ever, in the heat of the moment, prayed a genuine prayer to God, the Universe, or whatever deity you pray to that the person you are struggling with finds all the happiness and blessings they desire in life? I’m not sure I’ve met a more tiresome challenge in my social life.
Please believe that this lesson is and will probably always be “in-progress.”
FOR EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON: I know, I know. I’m back on the seasons, but hear me out.
I saw a quote once about how some people are only meant to be a part of our lives for a season, not a lifetime. But I think this applies to more than just people.
I think seasons can apply to who you were before learning lessons life gives you, friendships, personal identities, and even love.
I’m entering into a new season of life that requires me to be a stronger individual. I’m about to become a mother! I want to be the kind of strong mother that is not codependent on my friends for happiness and peace. I want to be the kind of mother who stands up for myself and my family. I want to be the kind of mother that will do anything for the benefit of my family, children, and my own personal well being.
But in becoming that person, that strong-willed mom and wife, I don’t want to lose sight of myself and my own identity. I want to combine the two, creating a new me with an ever-growing zest for life, friendships, and interests.
In the photos above you will see about 3 different seasons of my life that happened almost simultaneously. Weddings, a baby, and a graduation all in the span of a couple months. It was a crazy and busy time.
Regardless of what season you’re in, don’t let it be your last. Always be growing and evolving and learning how to be the best version of yourself. Not only does the world deserve your best, but so do you!