Summer is always the most difficult season for me to say goodbye to, and I think it’s hitting me a little harder this year as the long days of sunshine have been a welcome respite and boost to my heart and soul in the midst of the ongoing coronavirus situation. However, taking time to pause and recount some of the lessons from one season before moving on to the next has been a helpful practice for me to remember with gratitude that God is always providing and working in every season.
I love how Emily P. Freeman inspires and spurs me on in this pursuit, and I appreciate the reminder she shares from Jan Johnson along this journey as well:
“It’s not the experience that brings transformation,
it’s our reflection upon our experience.”
With that in mind, here are a few things I’ve learned or have been re-learning over the summer:
#1) I really love outside dining.
All the necessary precautions surrounding COVID-19 have continued to be a challenge, but the addition of outdoor dining areas at many restaurants has been a bright spot in the midst of it. I’ve always been one to enjoy picking up something to take to the park to eat when the weather is nice, but the ability to go to other restaurants and still sit outside to enjoy a meal has been an uplifting change of pace.
My heart goes out to the business owners and so many others struggling to keep going in this difficult season, but I’m inspired by all the work they’ve been doing to continually adapt. And personally I’m hoping some of the outside dining options can remain available even when the inside portions are fully operational as well.
#2) Reading and writing about pain and grief from a biblical worldview somehow has a way of bringing me life and hope.
I know it sounds crazy, but this has actually been one of the most prominent lessons that stood out to me over the summer. I’m continuing to work on my master’s degree in spiritual formation, and when the coronavirus began to affect all of our lives this spring, I found it more and more difficult to concentrate on any of my reading and writing for school. I somehow made it through the spring semester, but then I started to get really nervous about the independent research project I had to do over the summer because of the large amount of additional reading and writing that would be required as I was still struggling to concentrate.
I had chosen the topic of how we can be formed spiritually through pain, suffering, and grief, but I was starting to question that decision after the grief of a global pandemic somehow brought up every past grief I’ve ever experienced. Would I really be able to spend so much time reading and writing about suffering without losing my mind?
However, as soon as I opened the first book I had chosen to read toward the project, something in my heart awakened and shifted. I was reminded of how God has made His presence known to me over and over in my most difficult times. And I remembered how He has not only brought me through but has even brought ministry out of heartbreaking circumstances.
If there’s anything I’ve learned about grief and suffering over the years, it’s that trite clichés, easy answers, and avoidance or trying to move through things quickly won’t work and can even compound the pain. But true hope can actually be found as we are honest about the struggle and find that God always meets us there.
The incarnation of Christ, coming down from heaven to be born as a baby, walking this earth in frail human flesh for 33 years, and willingly submitting to suffering and death on a cross before rising triumphantly reminds us of the hope and companionship we can hold on to in the darkest times. Jesus did not avoid suffering. As He walked through it for us, He continues to walk through it with us. And the joy of heaven we have to look forward to spurs us on moment by moment until every tear is wiped away.
While I appreciated how all the books I read toward my project brought my mind and heart back to these truths with fresh encouragement, I was especially blown away by a new book by K. J. Ramsey that turns a common consolation upside down while sharing an even deeper hope. I wrote a bit more about This Too Shall Last recently, so feel free to check out that post for some additional insight from her on grace in the middle of suffering that I found encouraging, too.
#3) When facing uncertainty or difficulty, it always helps to remember what I already know.
Even this point of “learning” is something I already knew and have found to be a life-giving practice, but it seems I always need to be reminded. The whole world still feels like it is in a shared state of grief and anxiety in some ways, and many decisions are continually looming with no obvious right answers.
So as I’ve said to myself many times, and appreciate the frequent reminders from Emily Freeman and others, when there is much I don’t know, it helps to pause and remember what I do. Sometimes I will even write a list like this in my journal:
God is good.
He is present and working even in this.
God is sovereign and holds the whole world in His hands.
He is faithful and will never leave me or forsake me.
I am His dearly loved child, chosen and equipped to do what He has called me to do.
Nothing can ever separate me from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.
My heart swells as I remember those truths. And I love the quote from James Bryan Smith that Emily shares on her podcast often as well:
“I am one in whom Christ dwells and delights. I live in the strong and unshakeable kingdom of God. The kingdom is not in trouble, and neither am I.”
Emily also adds these timely words,
“It helps to remember that even as the world is reeling, the kingdom of God remains unshakeable. God has not left the building. Jesus has not turned His back. Spirit has not lifted comfort. The Trinity continues to dance.”
Amen. I am so grateful.
#4) Swimming weather is still my favorite.
Always and forever. But I can’t help but say it again. Does summer really have to end?
Yet I’m continually reminded that God is always working and providing in every season. So I will keep looking for treasures and giving thanks along the way.
I’d love to hear from you, too! What have you been learning over the past season? Is there anything that has surprising for you? Or have you been reminded of a notable truth that you already knew? How have you seen God’s grace, or where could you use extra prayer? Feel free to leave a comment or send me a message anytime! And you can sign up below if you’d like to receive my weekly “Treasure Hunt Tuesday” emails as well.
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