Encouragement for a Time of Transition

We have a family calendar hanging on the wall in the hallway between our kitchen and dining room.  It is a bit old school, but this is where we write all our stuff, such as work schedules, events, board meetings, family nights, and so on. A few months ago, I was afraid to write anything on if for fear it would be canceled, postponed, or moved to virtual. There are months on this calendar that are completely blank. After all, when every night is family night, do you need to schedule one on the calendar? But I noticed last week that our family calendar is starting to fill up again. I confess, I feel a little anxiety creeping in as I glance at it.

In this post COVID-shutdown era, this is the quandary most of us are facing as we pass through this time of transition. My thoughts run in opposite directions:

  • I don’t want to run away from the last year like it didn’t happen, and yet I don’t want to be paralyzed by it either.
  • I want to hold tightly to all that we have learned about ourselves, our family, and God’s presence in all things. But on the other hand, I am ready to feel the freedom of activity, community, and engagement with others.
  • I hope I have learned the lesson of not over-scheduling, and yet I am eager to be busy.
  • I feel stuck between moving forward and holding back.

Seek God’s Presence

When I feel lost or find myself overthinking simple decisions, I know it is time to step back and seek God’s presence in my life. Here are five Scriptures I find myself turning to regularly these days. These remind me to seek His presence in my life and our home, and His promise that if I do seek Him, He will be there.

For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.

2 Chronicles 16:9

But from there, you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul.

Deuteronomy 4:29

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

James 1:5

Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually.

1 Chronicles 16:11

Psalm 34:4

Keep the Good Stuff

Stepping back for a few minutes, we can see how God used the last year to draw us near, and to shape us and our families. As we start to put our lives into a new order, hold onto and incorporate those things that you found brought you closer to each other and to God. It could be regular unplugged evenings around the firepit, or a daily walk around the neighborhood with the dog. It could be as simple as your morning coffee out of a mug with your favorite Scripture verse printed on it.

Find a New Rhythm

Let’s face it, this is starting to be a bumpy year full of lots of stops and starts. As the calendar fills in, continue to evaluate each addition in light of all that you have learned. Earlier this year, we published a post Four Ways to Reset Your Family with suggestions on how to reestablish some sense of normalcy and routine to your family’s lives. As we wrap up our school year and head into summer, tune in to your family’s rhythm to find your routine.

Walking past that wall calendar again this morning, I may second guess some decisions, and itch to cross some stuff off or add other activities. That is normal, and we can regroup. The important thing is that I am aware of all that is going on and will seek God’s will for all of it.

Author

  • Christine Clark

    Christine Clark is the Ministry Leader for Family Ministries at Stonebriar Community Church. She has a passion for supporting parents and helping them gain confidence and tools to be spiritual leaders in their homes. She is blessed to be the mom of a one son and the wife of her college sweetheart for 25 years. She and her husband are finding their way as empty nesters, and enjoying the new found freedom that comes with this stage of life. She is also an avid sports fan who loves all things NASCAR and football, especially in the fall in Texas.

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