The Tension of Changing Seasons
One of the things I have begun to realize is that every season comes with it a different challenge and opportunity. In my line of work, summer is a more restful season, while fall tends to be more hurried. And as we approach the Christmas season I yet again feel the tension of the changing season.
The tension comes when new things are added and old things aren’t removed. The tension continues when we are out of sorts because rhythm and rest are all out of whack. And in the Christmas season, the tension is extra when the needs of work bump up against the desires of our families.
How will we get it all done?
How can we do one more thing?
What does this season look like?
From my experience there are only two ways to relieve tension:
Let go completely.
Walk towards the tension.
For most of us, option #1 is not really an option at all. So, let’s assume the majority of us are going to focus on option number two.
What does it look like to walk toward tension in your life?
The first thing I would suggest is increasing your time in prayer. 1 Thessalonians reminds us to “pray without ceasing.” And what I’ve learned is that when I can carve out even five more minutes for prayer the tension in my life seems to have less power over me. The tension really hurts when I can’t get any other perspective, prayer is the BEST way to get perspective.
The second thing I try to do is to talk about the tension with my inner circle. Following Jesus is a team sport, and if I can give some of my tension to the people in my life who love and support me the tension doesn’t feel so strong. I have a group of people I affectionately call “The Council of the Godly.” My Council is always the people I can give some tension to when I’m feeling overwhelmed.
The third thing is by far the most practical - I do a calendar evaluation. A calendar evaluation gives me the opportunity to decide what needs to be removed so there is space to handle the tension. One of the things I have to say to myself frequently is, “You don’t have to do everything all the time.” And maybe that’s my personality, but I bet I’m not the only one who often feels like I have to do everything all the time. That thought is a lie and needs to be removed immediately. Take the time to evaluate your calendar and give yourself permission to remove some things!
All of creation was designed to live life in seasons. God created the world and its inhabitants to grow/change. You aren’t exempt from that! Give yourself permission to change and grow. After all, it’s only a season.