You all have been so kind and patient with me as I’ve sorted through the unfamiliar, the lack of control, and have come to terms with the waiting game of finding our next home.
I did my fair share of complaining and grumbling, and then realized that all of that was just a big old waste of time. I couldn’t change our situation. I couldn’t hit fast forward. All I could do was choose to be joyful and choose to be positive.
And what was my biggest source of joy? What is my biggest source of joy? My children.
The freedom and permission to see this season as restful and intentional was the biggest gift I gave myself.
Now that we’ve entered the summer, days are even more lazy. But they’re spent soaking up each moment with my kids. Deciding to be content and deciding to let go of expectations and to just enjoy these days for what they are was huge for me. And these days are wonderful because of my boys.
I’m reading a book and doing a study with a fantastic group of women called “Your Beautiful Purpose” by Susie Larson. The word “purpose” literally makes me sweat. I see that word and feel extreme pressure to come up with a purpose that is different and “better” and “more worthwhile” and more “productive” than what I’m currently doing. And what if what I’m currently doing is my purpose?
I read this paragraph a few days ago and thought, “that is me. She’s talking to me!”
“There will be whole seasons of life spent serving in ways that don’t seem to match our gifts or passions, seasons where we feel overlooked and completely missed, seasons where the storms of life seem to focus their fury on us.” – Susie Larson
It’s normal. Other people have been there!
But those seasons don’t have to be a waste. They’re not lost. There is opportunity to love and grow and make a difference even if we don’t feel like we’re in the right place.
For so long, I’ve felt completely unaware of a dream of calling in my life. I was completely blind to the fact that God may want more for me than for me to feel like I’m just being faithful in the familiar.
And you know what? My “purpose” may not be any different at the end of this study than it was at the beginning. I may discover that God has me right where He wants me to be, but the only difference is my acceptance of it and belief that this work has purpose.
And my belief and confidence of this, that He who began a good work in me will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)
These seasons and storms are not a waste. These days where we feel like we’re lost and wandering have a purpose. And being open and willing to accept His purpose for us (and we all have a purpose, ladies!) will completely change our outlook on those hard seasons.
this is beautiful – and rings so true to me. perhaps i need to be doing this study, as well!
Go get the book and we can discuss together if you want to!
Thanks for sharing. That’s exactly what I needed to read today. Trust me, you are not alone.
I’m so glad to know that. As soon as I saw that paragraph in the book, I felt so much better.
Oh wow…That spoke VOLUMES to me !! Thank you for this post!!!!!!!!!!
Thank YOU!
I struggle with this daily as I contemplate working and staying at home with my son. I just need to put my trust and faith in the Lord. I need to pick up this study- thank you for writing this — have a great day!
The trust thing is the biggest thing for me. I KNOW that He will walk with me and protect me and guide me through all of these seasons, but I just have to trust Him and quit worrying about it.
SO needed to read this today. thank you, friend.
Thank you, my friend. Always good to hear from you.
Thank you for this post! From your posts, I think you and I are a lot alike in wanting to do more or do better. It’s really hard for me to just sit back and relax because I’m constantly thinking one step ahead. It’s bad to say it, but getting sick before vacation was great for me. It allowed me to be relaxed when we got away and gave me the time to just enjoy the present. Since we’ve been home, I’ve really tried to stop making myself feel pressure to do so much and I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve been trying to soak in time with my family rather than trying to get so many things crossed off my to do list. Our house is still clean, we’re all fed, our clothes are washed and put up and I’m still running. But the best parts are that I’ve been consistently having quiet time with the Lord each day, spending what feels like more time with my husband and relaxing with my family. I started feeling convicted about the busyness in my life and changing a few things has made a world of difference. (And I actually have a post on this for tomorrow!)
Oh, and I love that verse. This study sounds great.
Anna, we are very similar, for sure. It sounds like you’ve regrouped and are in a great place. And that’s what I had to do, too. Taking away the busyness and extra items on the to do list can work wonders for my spirit.
This is exactly what I needed to read today. Exactly. Thank you friend.
I’m so glad, friend. Wish we could have these talks over coffee!
I feel this way with my job lately. So many projects that I wish I was more inspired by, but feel like I’m trudging through them. It’s a great reminder that this is happening for a reason.
Oh, I can remember feeling the same way at work, too. There are definitely things to be learned in each season.
Such a wonderful post. Thanks for the reminder. 🙂
The timing on this post is perfect! I am going to get the book ASAP tomorrow! Thank you for sharing.
wow. God is definitely weaving a theme of “my purpose” into my life right now and there is so much stirring in my heart but its tough. Tough to see past being “just” a wife and mom. Tough to see how He could use me. We’ve been walking through some of the hardest times of my life the last couple of years and while I’ve learned to trust the Lord in ways I never dreamed I’d ever have to, the struggle also brings times of feeling distant and lost. He’s at work and spoke to me through you today! This book sounds like something I might need to look into ~ thanks so much for sharing your heart.
Amen, girl. Amen.
Thanks for sharing!
Going to check out that book!
xoxo.
Love how you are viewing this time! I need some summer reflection ASAP.