September is a season of transition and change. The weather for early September in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia is stuck between seasons. The mornings are dewy and cool. But in the afternoon, the heat and humidity hover around 90%, wreaking havoc on hair. September is stuck between seasons. In North America, September’s job is to remind us of the past seasons of spring and summer and to prepare us for the future of autumn and winter.
Stuck Between {Life} Seasons
A week ago, I hauled a plastic tote containing fall décor into the dining room. I promptly replaced the summer front door wreath with a wreath decorated in mini pumpkins, sunflowers, and gourdes. Next, I placed a ceramic jack-o’-lantern on the front porch and placed a monogrammed pumpkin atop the piano. Then the decorating stopped.
Although autumn is my favorite season, I couldn’t bring myself to remove the hurricane jar filled with summer seashells. I hesitated to remove the birthday cards displayed on the mantel (which is crazy because my birthday was two months ago). Why did I hesitate? I didn’t want to forget the past season with fond memories.
Here are three tips to help deal with being stuck:
1. Give God Margin
By clinging to the decorations of the past season, I wasn’t allowing space for the upcoming season. We do this in our spiritual life too. If we are not careful, we can stay stuck in one season of our life without giving God margin to work something new in our future.
2. Pressing On
Paul, the author of most of the New Testament, wrote the book of Philippians and three others from a prison cell. Paul understood being stuck between seasons. Paul, stuck in a prison cell, pressed on to continue the calling on his life.
The key to becoming unstuck is to let go of what is holding us back. We can move forward and make room for God if we let go of incorrect perceptions of others, grudges, being easily offended, bitterness, forgiveness, and grace (to others and ourselves).
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-15 NIV)
3. Cultivate a Habit of Memorizing Scripture
Spending time in God’s written voice, the Bible, is crucial in propelling us forward. Start small by jotting down a verse on a notecard or sticky note and placing it throughout the house. Meditate and memorize one verse per week. If you remain consistent in this area, you will have 52 verses memorized in one year!
“The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:5-6 NIV)
“So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.” (Hebrews 12:12-14 NLT)
“Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life.” (Proverbs 4:13 NLT)
“Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don’t be diverted. Just keep at it. Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation.” (1 Timothy 4:16, MSG)
When we feel stuck let us recall these verses of hope, let go of what hinders our growth, make room for God to move, and press on in faith.
~April Dawn White, ©2020
Photo by Laura Chouette on Unsplash
Photo by Kristopher Roller on Unsplash
Photo by Denise Johnson on Unsplash
