Seasons

That may seem like a funny title to most of you...with all the crazy, abnormal weather we've been having...

And yet, I find myself in the midst of a season I didn't even realize I was in.

I have a beautiful friend who has beautiful babies...and who sometimes feels like God has other things for her to be doing...but she can't do them with her babies. Whenever she brings this up, other mommies remind her that this is just a season...that it will pass and she will miss these days with her babies when they're older and more independent.

Most of the time, I nod in agreement, knowing how true that statement is...for my friend. And yet, I've been realizing this last week that there is truth in that statement for me as well.

Sometimes I don't like to admit it...but I feel very alone a lot of the time...even in the midst of a crowd. Even when I am surrounded by wonderful friends and having a good time. Even when I'm sitting at home with my husband on the couch. It has nothing to do with the people around me...and everything to do with me.

I hadn't been able to put my finger on it until I had an email conversation with a sweet friend this week. She brought up some amazing points that I hadn't even thought of.


We, as women ('cuz I can't speak for you men out there), tend to gravitate towards women that are like us. Women that either share our same passions in life, or have similar stories to our own, or that are in the same place in life we're at. And, there's nothing wrong with that. It's natural to be drawn towards others like ourselves.

And yet, it can be very hard at the same time. Someone who might have been your best friend at one point could now be only an acquaintance...because you've gravitated towards different passions in life. Someone you might have never talked to before could be your new best friend...because you both just recently got married and have similar experiences to talk about. Or, someone you just met in a young mom's group may be the only one who understands how down you're feeling after having the baby.

While it's natural to drift towards people in our same situations, it's hard to deal with the reality that some of the ones we used to call all the time now have new friends to call in their new situations. It's not a bad thing...it's a part of life. And, that doesn't mean it will always be that way...but it is in this season.

So, as I've been accepting this season I'm in, I'm realizing I don't have many women around me that are in my same situation. I love the women in my life and I'm so grateful for them...but oftentimes I still feel alone...because they aren't where I'm at. And, while I know that this is just a season...I also know this is where God has me...and I need to make the most of it.

So, I'm praying about something that could potentially be a wonderful thing. I'm not ready to reveal the details until I'm certain this is where God is leading me...but I must say I am really excited about it. That same sweet friend brought up something that got me thinking about it...and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since. I really long to be used by God in a more powerful way in my life...and this just may be the solution to my longing.

I'd like to encourage all of you reading this...no matter what season you find yourself in...to embrace it. Yes, it will be hard at times...yes, it may mean you don't have the same good friends anymore...but this is where God has you...and He has amazing things to teach you in the midst of this season.

Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths;
guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
(Psalm 25:4-5, NIV)

Rest in that, my friends.