As we are in the process of transitioning through seasons, from Fall to Winter, I find myself gearing up with heavy duty jackets and footwear, making all of the comforting soups, and drinking more coffee than I should. I prepare myself mentally to get up in the dark each morning and get my Winter tires put on my vehicle for safe travels. Each transition from season to season looks different, but we become well versed in how to adapt to these changes that, inevitably, come each year.
In preparation for Winter this year, I was struck with the thought that season changes can be hard, and it got me reflecting on the other seasons of life that we find ourselves transitioning through. These seasons don't involve weather changes, but, instead, involve changes in the rhythms of our life and in our hearts. Seasons with parenting, partnership, health, and work.
I have been struggling as a mom lately with the new season that I am stepping into with my boys. They are much more independent and don't need me as much in the tangible ways that they used to. I struggle through encouraging independence, while grieving the loss of their deep need for me. We have entered the season of organized sports and, while I love watching them grow new skills and learn what it means to be quality teammates, I miss the world that was largely just us....at home in our backyard. We are in a season of budding friendships and, while I am so thankful that they are establishing meaningful relationships and what it means to demonstrate God's love to others, I grieve the loss of time where we were all we needed. I struggle to find my place in this new season and am awkwardly making my way through.
When I went through my divorce, I had to process what this season was going to bring for changes. What was my life going to look like moving forward? How would I survive this season with integrity and peace?
These season changes in our lives often require more preparation than the physical seasons. We can't just throw some mittens on and call it a day. I think we need to give ourselves grace as we navigate the newness of certain seasons and give ourselves time to process our feelings about where we are at. We can reevaluate our values and make sure they align with our new practices in each season of life.
Whatever season you are in, I hope you are being incredibly kind to yourself and placing value in processing your feelings as you prepare for what's ahead. These season changes are hard, but they can also be beautiful. Praying for peace in your transitions and hope for what is to come.
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