Hi Friend!
We have made it halfway through March! For us New Englanders, we like to refer to March as the final month of winter. However, I know that for some of you, you are already enjoying bits of spring. We’ve had our two biggest snow storms over the past two weeks, and I kept repeating to myself “In like a lion, out like a lamb” as I watch giant snow flakes fall outside my window. A popular childrens book I was read in grade school about spring. While we wait for spring to officially arrive, it got me thinking how March can very much feel like a season of “in-between”. Do I still need my winter coat and beanie? Or will a light spring jacket do? And how this can also be true in life as well as we shift through different seasons. So whether you are currently navigating a season of “in-between” in life, or like me just waiting for spring to arrive with warmer weather, today I want to offer a little bit of encouragement while we patiently wait together.
Let’s Embrace the in-between ~
Each year our temperatures can vary greatly in the month of March. While the past few years we have experienced abnormally warmer temperatures, March can also bring with it the heaviest amounts of snow fall (like it did this past week :/ ). Sometimes it feels like a cruel joke as you are patiently waiting for spring to arrive, winter does not like to leave us without going out on a bang.
When I look at the landscape outside my window, our current views still very much resemble winter. Mountains of snow from winter that will begin to melt, giving way to a blah and brown landscape. The dead leaves from fall are now visible once again all over the ground, and the trees are still bare looking lifeless. There is no real evidence yet that things are living. Yet if I lean in and look closer, I see signs that spring is on the way. Branches without leaves that appear bare from a distance, yet close up, have tiny buds that are just waiting to open announcing springs’ arrival.
In life, I have definitely found myself trying to navigate being in-between seasons before as well. I’ll be honest, I’m not the best when it comes to having patience for the in-between. The uncertainty, or lack of progress leaves me feeling like I’m stuck in an awkward limbo of sorts. I am doer, and thrive when I’m feeling productive. But when you find yourself in-between seasons of life – transitions, or letting go of some things, but not quite sure yet what to pick up next – you can almost feel like you are falling behind. Because after all if we aren’t thrusting ourselves forward in the name of hustle and bustle, then we are falling backwards, right?
No sweet friend, I believe we have a different posture to take. Instead of feeling like we are falling behind, or not moving forward fast enough, what if we pause and take it all in.
When we choose to pause long enough we are able to notice the tiny changes that are taking place around us. Remember seasons change in a slow shift, not a fast light switch being turned off and on – overnight. Nope, it’s a slow and subtle shift. Days begin to grow longer, as the sun lingers in the sky just a little bit more. Birds begin to sing again as their songs fill the air.
The more I slow down and embrace this season of “in-between”, the less overwhelm I feel to hurry, and the more beauty I am able to see before me.
When I find myself in-between seasons of life, I have time to access what I allow to fill up my day.
I receive the refreshment that the slower pace holds. One that gives me time to evaluate my life and what is currently on my plate. The in-between offers me a chance to look deeper at the things I put my hands too, and fill my days with, and gives me a chance to put down the things that are no longer meant for me to carry. Things that would only make my next season of life feel busier than it should if I were still to hold onto them. If I embrace the in-between then I am able to shift into a new season more gracefully, more attentive to the life around me, and more aware of myself and my purpose.
So whether you are patiently waiting for spring to arrive (like me!), or waiting for the next season in your life to begin. Remember that when we have to don’t rush through the in-between. That there is beauty and purpose around us for us to take hold of.
Mary B says
Thank you so much for sharing that beautiful, uplifting song of hope and faith. On January 27, 2023 my dad passed at the age of 89, 5 and 1/2 months shy of his 90th birthday. He was my rock and the most faithful man I have ever known. He attended mass daily and got down on his knees at home several times a day with his prayer books and rosary beads. My mom passed away 17 years ago and I have been so lost and in limbo ever since my dad passed on. I truly believe Jesus was there that day to take him home to Heaven and my mom, but I have had a hard time acvcepting the changes of “seasons” and struggling with “what is next” in my life. Listening to this beautiful song reminded me that I have no need to worry or feel lost about where my life is going. I just need to keep my faith that God is beside me always and keeps his promises to me. Seasons come and go, people come and go. But God is always with me and one day Jesus will come to take me home just as sure as the seasons will come and go.
Bre says
Mary, I am so glad that this song encouraged you right now during this season. Grief is so hard, especially when it’s someone that we are close to, that made an impact in our lives like your dad. Give yourself time, and I know God will continue to comfort you during this time! Sending hugs!! Bre
Lorraine Nolte says
What a beautiful song, thank you bre.
Bre says
So glad you liked it Lorraine!!
Rebecca says
Thank you for the encouragement. I needed the reminder to the lyrics of the song. The One who created and holds the stars and calls them by name is here with me in the waiting. He is faithful and He will finish what he started.
Bre says
So glad Rebecca! It’s such a good reminder! I always find comfort when I hear this song again and am reminded of God’s faithfulness 🙂
Nancy says
Thank you for sharing Take Courage! I loved it and find it blesses my soul.
Bre says
I am so glad Nancy!! 🙂
Vickie says
I am a little behind in my emails so I just opened your post & can only say…WOW! Gods timing is perfect & your obedience to share what was on your heart & the song ministered so much to my soul! Thank you, Bre! God bless you.