seasons

This season of life has me working from home while simultaneously watching my little ones.

This means that most days, I can be on a phone call with a client or processing a large billing order while also wiping a rear end or dishing out snacks.

I’ve typed out the words “Yes, I’m working on it” in an email when I’m actually scrubbing marker off the walls.

I have proofread a contract on my phone while my youngest cries at my feet.

I’ve attended zoom calls on mute while sitting in the bathroom as my oldest potty trains.

I wish I could say I’ve been handling it seamlessly. But far too many days over the past year have been spent with me close to tears (And honestly, a good bit of sinful behavior up until that point).

Often I have prayed for the Lord to change things. And time and again I have had to face the fact that right here, right now, this is how it must be. It won’t be like this forever. But for now, it is going to be challenging. It is going to require more strength and patience than I have in my own flesh. It’s going to require asking for forgiveness and then getting back up and trying again.

The hardship of right now has a purpose. The hard thing you are walking through has a purpose, too. God is using this season I am in for something greater than what I can see in this moment. I keep asking for Him to change it but He’s using it to change me.

My self-sufficiency is dying. My illusion of control is vanishing. And my weakness is on full display, making it all the more necessary for me to cling to His strength.

And I’ve been awestruck, again and again, how he has helped me in little ways. Whether it be my husband getting off work early or a friend swooping in to help, or even a free coffee drink at Starbucks!, there is still good to be found in this season. His provision is everywhere if I can just slow down and stop looking at only what is “hard.” There is so much good, too.

It is important in these seasons to:

1.     Have perspective. This will not last forever. Growing up, my dad would always say “This too shall pass.” And it always does.

a.     For example, I can complain about how hard it is to work and have to watch the kids at the same time or I can be thankful to be employed and be thankful to spend my days with my girls as they grow.

2.     Choose the good. Focus on it. Find it. Create it. Letting the hard stuff be all you see will absolutely stifle you. Meditate on scripture when you need a reset. Turn on your favorite music while you clean the bedrooms. Make your favorite meal for dinner. It’s okay to create your own joy sometimes.

a.     I have index cards all over my house with bible verses on them so I can see the truth often

3.     Ask for help. I have a blog post is on this very topic!

4.     Pray. Get up early if you can. Pray for patience. For kindness. For strength. For the ability to prioritize what is important.

I am still learning as I go. This season of life has me wrestling with anxiety and impatience and that’s why I’m here, writing.

If you are currently going through a hard season, I’d love to pray for you. I already am praying for you! I know so many of us have walked through or are walking through some stressful stuff. Know that you don’t have to walk alone. I am right there with you. And most importantly, so is the Heavenly Father.  

- Emily

(Note: “hard” looks different for every person).