It seems to me this summer has been all about change. Transition from the school year to a family beach vacation in June, vacation to grad school in late June, school to stay-at-home-mom mode in July, home to a wild West adventure in August, and finally, the wild West to back to work. As summer melts into fall, it's time for me to settle back into routine at last- an early morning communion with my Father, a bittersweet goodbye to my sleeping son, a busy day of teaching smart kiddos, and too-quick nights of sweet family time, easy dinners, and packed lunches. As this last weekend of summer flashes by, my heart is filled with too many emotions.
The sadness is there, of course, along with the mix of excitement, anticipation, and anxiety that comes with the start of a new school year. But looming big and dark is the realization that it's indescribably hard and painful to leave my boy to go to work. As a result, it's easy to slip into dread, fear, sadness, and guilt this time of year. I found myself approaching that place last night and gave myself this three-point pep talk. My hope is that it helps someone else, too.
Point #1: I am exactly where I am supposed to be.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delighteth in his way.
Psalm 37:23
I've laid my heart, my plans, my desires before my King over and over and over. And each time, He gently makes my path clear. I trust Him. And I know, beyond all doubt, that I am exactly where I am supposed to be. And that means that He will bless and shelter my family in this next transition, just how He has in the past. My trust and faith is in Him and His word.
If you surrender your life to Christ and lay your plans before Him, He will guide your footsteps. It is a promise repeated in His word. Whatever transition you find yourself in, whatever the circumstances, whatever others may say, and whatever your feelings may be, calm and quiet yourself in His promises.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delighteth in his way.
Psalm 37:23
I've laid my heart, my plans, my desires before my King over and over and over. And each time, He gently makes my path clear. I trust Him. And I know, beyond all doubt, that I am exactly where I am supposed to be. And that means that He will bless and shelter my family in this next transition, just how He has in the past. My trust and faith is in Him and His word.
If you surrender your life to Christ and lay your plans before Him, He will guide your footsteps. It is a promise repeated in His word. Whatever transition you find yourself in, whatever the circumstances, whatever others may say, and whatever your feelings may be, calm and quiet yourself in His promises.
Point #2: I can replace dread with expectation.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5: 6-7
"Dread" is a pretty strong word, and one that maybe we don't talk about enough. It creeps in, deceptive, and tends to stick around. Dread has no place in a joy-filled life, and dread is a choice. I have the power, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to overcome dread (2 Timothy 1:7), but I must humble myself before the Lord and accept his plans. Whenever an uncomfortable transition comes my way, it is helpful to remind myself that when I humble myself to God's plans and choose not to live in anxiety and dread, I can expect great things in my future and in my family.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5: 6-7
"Dread" is a pretty strong word, and one that maybe we don't talk about enough. It creeps in, deceptive, and tends to stick around. Dread has no place in a joy-filled life, and dread is a choice. I have the power, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to overcome dread (2 Timothy 1:7), but I must humble myself before the Lord and accept his plans. Whenever an uncomfortable transition comes my way, it is helpful to remind myself that when I humble myself to God's plans and choose not to live in anxiety and dread, I can expect great things in my future and in my family.
Point #3: Rejoice in the season and love on.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12: 1-2
This verse covers this season for me in every way. I will offer my present, my future, my family, and myself to God in this season. With the help of the Holy Spirit I will renew my mind and replace dread with expectation. And then I will be able to do the will of my Father: I will love the people in in my life every day. That is my desire, to be a lover of people, whomever that may be in the season I am in. And I believe that God will meet my needs and take care of me and my family in every way. I look forward to a future of blessing.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12: 1-2
This verse covers this season for me in every way. I will offer my present, my future, my family, and myself to God in this season. With the help of the Holy Spirit I will renew my mind and replace dread with expectation. And then I will be able to do the will of my Father: I will love the people in in my life every day. That is my desire, to be a lover of people, whomever that may be in the season I am in. And I believe that God will meet my needs and take care of me and my family in every way. I look forward to a future of blessing.
So my heart is out there with all you mommas, educators, students, and other peeps dealing with a big change right now. I hope this pep talk helped somebody other than me. And hey, if you need prayer, just leave a note in the comments and I'm on it. And you can say a prayer for me, too.