I’ve recently been in what I like to call a ‘revival mood’. I have been really digging deep and trying to narrow my focus on what I want to accomplish is the near future. This deep personal dive has brought up a few things that I always seem to push aside. I’m sure we all have a project, idea, plan, something that we start with enthusiasm and then place it on the back burner to simmer. For me, those things have been my business, career development, and this blog.
This summer has been my season of revival. As I approach the completion of one of my long-time goals, I have been inspired to refocus on tackling the others. I am months away from graduating seminary (think of it as ministry college). I have always known that I have a calling on my life for Kingdom work but I never took the time to seek out exactly what that calling is.
As I approached 30; I decided to go to religious studies school and learn ways I can serve in ministry. I was very pleased to gain assurance that not everyone is meant to be in the pulpit. I can impact lives in other meaningful ways! That led me to find a theology school 3 years later for ministry training and ordination.
The feeling of accomplishing something I have had in my mind to do since I was a teenager has sparked a new fire in me. I decided to focus on being consistent with this blog, seeking God for opportunities to serve His people, growing the bath & body business I started in 2013, and obtaining a work certification I started studying for 2 yrs ago.
A Cycle of Seasons
Notice I mentioned above that this is my season of revival. We all have seasons in our lives. The Bible talks about this in detail in Ecclesiastes 3. It tells us that there is a time for everything under the sun. It also tells us that God makes everything appropriate in its time.
These 2 statements pretty much guarantee that times (or seasons) for us will come and go. Yeah yeah, I know…the uncertainty of it all can be scary. But guess what? It can also be exciting! This time of revival for me is definitely a bit of both; but I am embracing it.
There may be something that you started during one season that may not flourish until another. There may be something that failed (or you looked at as a failure) that should be revived. Don’t give up on it! The appropriate time will present itself.
Change is Inevitable
The one constant in all of this is that change will come. We cannot control the fluctuation of seasons in our lives; but we can ensure that we learn lessons from each. We can also thrive in each.
For example:
A dry season doesn’t have to be a dormant season. You can still sow seeds during this season- start planning a new project, build the framework for an existing project, pour into someone else (mentor, be a supportive friend, etc), gain some new skills to enrich your career. Your efforts will bear fruit in another season. Don’t be afraid to keep putting in work!
Comparison is the Thief of Joy
Don’t miss out on experiencing each season fully because you are busy wishing you were in a different one. I assure you, there is something important and useful, and quite possibly fulfilling in your current season.
It’s easy to look at others and get discouraged. Let’s be honest; we can even get down right disgusted. What I want you to remember is that your time is coming. Instead of being upset, or wondering “why them?”, be happy for them. Then I want you to refocus and be happy for yourself. Yes, Darling..BE HAPPY FOR YOURSELF!
Journaling Prompt:
Take a few moments to reflect on your current season. Describe what you are feeling, things you have learned, goals you have set, opportunities for growth. Then, make a list of things you are thankful for. Put those things in big, bold letters and focus on them when you need a little pick-me-up.
The changes we go through in life are all part of our growth. No matter what season you are in, find joy. Focus on what you can gain during this time. Always remember, You can thrive in any season!
– Elle
Leave a Reply