Today is September 1, 2015. Wow, where did summer go? I can’t
believe the first day of fall is only 22 days away. I am a new found lover of
the fall season and everything it has to offer. From the brisk weather, early
nights, dark lipstick, light sweaters, knee boots, pumpkin aroma, and colorful
leaves, my heart has been won. Just a few years ago, this was a time I dreaded
because it reminded me that summer was really over and I wouldn’t be getting a
break until Thanksgiving. Now I see things in an entirely different light. I
look at what it has to offer me and not what it has taken way.
Imagine if we only had summer or better yet, only had winter,
or even only had spring for that matter. How would things be? I believe it’s
safe to say things would be quite different. What if our lives were like that and
we only had good times or only had bad times. Our perception of things would be
pretty misconstrued. And I know some of you are like “That is my reality; things are always bad in my life. I can’t catch a
break”. I’m here to let you in on a secret…it’s not your reality and that’s
not true. Think about the various states in the U.S. and what they are known
for. Alaska, North Dakota, Maine, Illinois, and New York are all states that are
known for being cold. Florida, Georgia, Texas, California, and Louisiana are
all states that are known for being hot. Although these states are known for
either being very hot or very cold these are not the only temperature that
graces them. Florida has its rainy and chilly days and New York has its hot
days. The same goes for you; you’ll have some rainy seasons and some sunny
times, some warm days and cold nights. This is what we call LIFE my friend.
One thing I’ve learned is that one season causes you to
appreciate the next. It wasn’t until I experienced a hot Alabama summer that I was
able to appreciate their brisk fall nights. The way I related to the earthly
season translated to how I welcomed my spiritual seasons. If I’m honest with
you I can admit that I struggle at times with appreciating the season I am in.
I’m guilty of trying to rush out of the season God has me in and I know, I know
this isn’t right. By doing this I miss out on what God’s trying to teach me and
show me.
I’m currently in a season of growth, and we all know growth
requires us to be uncomfortable. I like many people avoid uncomfortable
situations…well that was until now. In this season I’m learning that I can’t
run every time I’m forced to step out and step up. God is striving to take me
higher, but I’m like the kid that's crying because I don’t want to get on the
Ferris wheel because I’m afraid of the height and I’m afraid to move. Honestly,
I’m still afraid and not totally content with my current season (but I’m
learning to be). I feel like I'm in an in between season. I’m currently finishing
up my graduate school requirements, at home with my parents, no income, no job,
not dating, and hardly any friends. Sounds great right? Yea, I didn’t think so
either. It doesn’t help to get on social media and see people with the things I
want and doing things I wish I was doing. People with jobs, on vacation, newly married,
new apartments, new cars, and buying new items. I didn’t realize it, but seeds
of discontentment were being planted in my heart. I was looking at their things
and instead of being happy I was lowkey envious, I didn't think it was fair (shh don’t tell anyone). I had
to check my heart and allow God to change it.
God had to show me
that I’ll never be content if…
1.
I’m not fully content with Him (Proverbs 3:5-6)
2.
I have the wrong mindset; I was envious (Psalm 37:1-3)
3.
I don’t appreciate what I currently have (1 Thess. 5:18)
4.
I don’t trust where God is taking (Jeremiah 17:7-8)
I’ve said all of this to say that you aren’t in this alone
and that God wants us to trust him completely. The only way to fully embrace
the season God has placed you in is by trusting his plan. Learn as much as you can while he has you there, and know that it's preparing you for your next season. God
showed me the beauty of the season he has me in and I’m learning to appreciate
it. He has changed the way I view my present reality. Like I said previously, I’m
currently finishing my graduate school requirements, and I'm thankful that I’ll
be done in December God willing. I am at home and that in itself is a gift. My
parents have been nothing short of supportive and encouraging, and God has used
them to show me areas that I still have to grow in. Yes, I don’t have an income
or a job, but God has constantly provided for me and placed various individuals
in my path to bless me. I’m not dating, but God is shaping me into the wife he’ll
have me to be one day (it ain’t easy ya’ll). And I don’t have many friends, but
the few I have I consider family. I’ve decided to get on the Ferris wheel
despite my fear and trust God, I know I’ll be amazed at the view. Embrace where God has you!
Love,
G. Goforth
IG: @justgoforth
