When Seasons Change
I love the change in seasons. My favorite time of year is fall, when the leaves change from vibrant green to shades of rust, amber, and gold. I live on a mountain where the trees seem to almost preen in all their autumn glory.
What’s interesting about the change in colors is that the trees are turning to their true colors. As the chlorophyll that once made leaves green begins to degrade and break down, their true colors begin to emerge in varying shades of red, yellow, and orange.
I’m in the “fall” season of my life, and I want to embrace the beauty it has for me as a mom. But change is hard. In fact, as much as I love the change of seasons, I’m not a general fan of change in my life, particularly change that I have no control over. And being an empty nester is a big transition in life. It’s a change that involves more than just a child reaching a certain age and leaving home. For many women, the empty-nest season coincides with a time when our bodies are also changing, bringing frequent medical questions and concerns. This season also brings relational transitions in our marriages as we find ourselves having dinner with two at the dinner table. There are changes in our relationships with our children as we no longer know every detail of their life and they now make their own decisions. The yearly rhythm of the school year no longer has meaning for us now as we don’t have to shape our schedules around sports or performances, school holidays or events. Some of us may be managing care for elderly parents. Indeed, this is a season of significant change!
A God Who Never Changes
One thing that encourages me most in any change is that God never changes. He is the same God who called Abram and Sarai out of the land of Ur and promised a family larger than the stars in the sky. He is the same God who heard David’s desperate cries of lament and delivered him from his fears and foes. He is the same God who sent Jesus Christ at just the right moment in history, into the womb and life of a young soon-to-be-wed girl, so that He could live the life we could not live and die the death we deserved. Our God does not change. His character remains the same. His will remains the same. His love for us remains the same. This means that we can trust Him. We can trust His promises; He will never fail us. More, He knows that we are dust. He knows our limitations and frailties. He knows the challenges we face. He is not surprised by any change that we encounter, and He is with us in them. These are solid truths we can cling to when everything around us shifts and moves. God is the steady foundation upon which we stand.
Opportunities in Change
It’s true, the different seasons of life do bring changes that can unsettle us. Going from a full house to one filled with empty bedrooms is a big one. Shifting from cooking for multiple people to only cooking small meals is an adjustment. Not being needed by our children all the time is something that takes getting used to. But we are held by the God who holds all things in His sovereign care. And as He does so, those changes can be opportunities for new growth and new ways to bring Him glory. Whatever new season we find ourselves in, we can pause and ask: How might God use me in this season? How might the free spots in my schedule be used differently? How can I bring Him honor in this new place and season?
LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT
What changes are hardest for you to navigate right now? Why do you think that is? How does God’s unchanging nature give you peace in the midst of change?
PRAYER
Father in heaven, I come before You feeling unanchored from all that kept me in place. My life is so different now that my children are grown and out on their own. I struggle to find my place in this unfamiliar landscape. Please be with me. Help me to trust in Your unfailing Word and steadfast love. Use me in this season to bring You glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Christina Fox received her undergraduate degree from Covenant College and her master’s in counseling from Palm Beach Atlantic University. She is a retreat speaker, content editor for enCourage, and the author of multiple books, including Closer Than a Sister: How Union with Christ Helps Friendships to Flourish, Idols of a Mother’s Heart, and Like Our Father: How God Parents Us and Why That Matters for Our Parenting. She also works in alumni relations for Covenant College. Christina prefers her coffee black and from a French press, and enjoys antiquing, hiking, traveling, and reading. She lives in Chattanooga with her husband, where they are empty nesters. You can find her at @christinarfox.
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Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.
Contact Sharon with comments or questions at dailytreasure@markinc.org.
