Seasons of Change

In the quiet places I groaned an ancient prayer, one I’ve prayed a thousand times over: “Peace, Lord; understanding.”

He answered as a verse came to mind,  “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven,” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

I breathed a deep wind of spring; summer’s soon coming. The warm current lifting the recesses of my spirit to a promise of change.

The words continued: “a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance,” (Ecc. 3:4).

Understanding the call, I released a sigh. Being intimate with grief for half a year, cast into its midst and swallowed, the time has come to stand: to bid farewell to weeping, to continue fighting in the heat of battle.

And the Spirit spoke again, the familiar adage, “Rejoice in the Lord always, again, I say rejoice,” (Phil. 4:4).

Now is the time to laugh, now is the time to dance. Now is the time to make the choice to count my blessings. Oh, how I remembered them through the grief; how they even carried me.

Today, being healed to a point that isn’t ignoring and isn’t suppressing, the path of acceptance is one I must keep walking. The givens and the not givens (as Elisabeth Elliot would say) rest in the hands of my Creator. Yes, I have a good inheritance.

As a result, I’ve decided to join the joy dare. To link-up the start of my list of 1,000 gifts, meditating on the countless blessings I enjoy with every breath.

1. An amazing husband who serves me and my children with humility and grace.
2. The two most joyful, inquisitive, and wild bundles of joy a mama could ask for.
3. Ten beautiful acres that reflect the glory and majesty of a Good God.
4. In-laws who love and serve my family on a daily basis and make life so much easier
5. A wonderful home that’s become my canvas, one of my favorite creative outlets
6. The ability to block out the sound of the neighborhood dogs barking and yelping at each other. On 10 acres we still have neighbors. It’s a wonder :)
7. The familiar warmth, smells, and sounds of spring, the breeze rustling the leaves on the trees, the whistles and caws of the birds. The barking still in the background.
8. My husband’s unexpected day off from work. Chores needing to be accomplished, checked off the ever-growing list.
9. Nap-time for the kiddos, so I can get a little break in the afternoon.
10. A warm cup of delicious coffee, just because it’s comforting
11. Being a part of this