Dancing Between Seasons: When God Calls Us Forward

Six years ago, we buried our son. Five years ago, we moved across the country to a whole new life. Some days it feels like a lifetime ago, but on anniversaries like this, my heart shifts as I remember the life we left behind.

Life overflows with change. God calls us, as believers, to new life with Him. He calls us to step out of our old ways and trust Him in new paths and fresh adventures.

God called our family to this new place to begin a new stage of life, and it brings positive change to each of us. We thrive in a new church, a new neighbourhood, and with new friends.

Yet some days I miss my old house with its view from the front picture window. I miss the mature gardens I spent years building, planted with heirloom treasures I gleaned from family and friends. I miss the friends and neighbours who share our past, know our history, and live our stories with us.

And I miss my son.

Ecclesiastes chapter 3 speaks of a time or season for everything in life. "A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance." (Ecc 3:4 NLT)

However, embracing new things doesn't mean we stop cherishing old things. Our history shapes us, making us who we are today. Life doesn't require 'either/or' - we can remember past experiences fondly while embracing new adventures God brings us into, with joy.

God rejoices in blessing his children, as a good father would. When God takes us into a new season of life or a significant change in circumstances, it usually serves our good. We can view changes as chances to grow emotionally, spiritually, and in faith.

We especially welcome changes when God transitions us from difficult seasons into joyful ones. We can cherish good memories while looking forward to the excitement of new experiences. Different environments offer opportunities to try new things, meet new people, and embrace new ministries. Sometimes, we find it hard to see the goodness God has in store for us in new circumstances when we are still mourning the loss of previous situations.

"For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland." (Isaiah 43:19 NLT)

Are you walking through a season of change? Moving through a hard season? Trust the Lord and His leading in your life. We don't need to despise the past to embrace the future. We can take the best parts of each season and rejoice that God walks with us each step of the way, through all changes, in weeping and rejoicing, grieving and dancing.