3 Points to Ponder
- “Don’t try and stretch a season into a lifetime, as there are times when things need to die. It is ok to let it go. What is something you need to let go of to be able to start a new season?”
- “If you are having difficulty letting go of a particular season, focus on gratitude. What are you thankful for during that season? It is in our gratitude for what was that we can anticipate what God will do next.”
- “Death and life happen at the same time. Someone dies while another is being born. A relationship withers while another shows its first buds. What in your life needs pruning and what needs cultivating?”
2 Quotes to Share
“To everything, there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” -Ecclesiastes 3:1
“God prunes us when He is about to take us into a new season of growth and expansion.” -Christine Caine
1 Story of Impact
I recently had lunch with Reece Uhlenhopp, a friend of the ministry for a number of years. I became acquainted with him when he led young professional volunteer groups at our Many Hands Thrift Market in Grimes. He and his wife, Allie, were an incredible blessing to the store, going above and beyond as volunteers. For a while, they would take clothes home to sort as they were watching TV. After Allie had their first child, I remember her volunteering at the store with her baby strapped in on her chest. Their generosity was amazing! Then, they had child number two and then child number three and they didn’t have time to volunteer any longer. We saw them at the store less and less. Reece and I didn’t go to lunch as much as we both became busier in our jobs. And you know what? That is ok. There was a season they could give us that dedicated time and attention. Now they can’t. And instead of being mad or sad or the full range of negative emotions, I am so grateful for what they did give us. I’m grateful for that season of life. Many of you are entering a changing season of life. Maybe you are dropping a child off at college. Or kindergarten. Maybe you are moving. Or starting a new job. For some, you needed to say goodbye to someone for various reasons. For others, your parents are getting older and the relationship has changed. Or maybe a parent isn’t there anymore. As we navigate life, we all have seasons when a relationship is red hot and it turns cold. Or when considerable time is spent together and now is in a season of drought. Celebrate the season that was and embrace the season that is. As you look at your life, where is a new season coming? Where is a season coming to an end? How are you preparing your heart for these new beginnings and needed endings? What is one thing you can celebrate and what is one thing you can mourn? How can each of these transform you into the best version of yourself?
