Letting go of the past. Letting go of those I’ve loved, whether due to relocation or death. Letting go of dreams.
Dreams, which have already fulfilled their purpose in me—realized in God’s timing and in His way—although I may lack the perspective to view it objectively at the time.
It’s not hard for me to let go of the “bad”. My challenge often comes in letting go of that which has been good, fruitful, and purpose-driven in my life. I tend to cling to the past “good”. Unable and unwilling to move forward because of a fear that the new will not prove as wonderful and satisfying or safe as the old.
As I write this post today, my last child just left the house for college. Summer, for me, is over. I'm facing a new season, the season of an empty nest. Exciting and sad all at the same time. Bittersweet in the truest sense of the word. Many of you know where I'm coming from.
Likewise, this book was written during a season of change for me. A time of transition—after the death of my father for whom I’d spent the majority of the last two years caring for. My youngest child getting ready to graduate. A change in ministry focus. In other words, a lot of change in almost every aspect of my life.
I hate change. But as Kristina discovers in The Bachelor's Unexpected Family releasing next week, it is impossible to remain in the past. To refuse to move forward is to stagnate and die—mentally, spiritually and emotionally. When we refuse to fully crossover the threshold of God’s open door, we are in effect saying we don’t trust Him to have our best interests at heart. And what I’ve learned in this season of great change in my life is that God always keeps His children close to His heart. Just like you and I keep our children—no matter where they roam—close to our hearts.
Life can only be lived in the present. This means letting go of the past—with both its joys and hurts. I must choose to look with hope to the future, a future kept safe in the nail-scarred hands of our Savior.
And grateful for the gift, decide each day to live an abundant life in faith.
What have you found difficult to let go of? How do you handle seasons of change?
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Posts
Looking forward to this book. I've always had (and still have) trouble with change.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Jean. I'm still working on believing that all change isn't necessarily bad.
ReplyDeleteI have had to adjust to my daughter & her husband moving from here in Tennessee to the Pacific northwest. They are both traveling physical therapists & my husband & I are homebodies. We miss them but learned long ago that we may as well adjust to change - otherwise we will be miserable.
ReplyDeleteI love your practical, just-do-it attitude. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteMy heart goes out to you. Seasons of change can be so hard! My oldest will be dorming this year--a big change for us. I've also had to say goodbye to some volunteer work I enjoyed. It was time. I sensed it. But...I have other ministries that require time and commitment, too, so rather than feel sad or guilty, I'm moving forward trusting God will use me! Your cover is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jill. The older I get, the more I realize life is really about3 things—love, trust and obedience to God.
DeleteGreat post, Lisa. When we moved across the country four years ago, I went through a lot of emotions and yes, I wrote several books during that time. I've adjusted to that and other issues of life by telling myself if I go with the flow, God will be my anchor and my life saver. Your story sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lenora. I'm trying to have the perspective that every change/challenge is another opportunity to trust.
DeleteLove the cover! As a mother of three teenagers, I've had a hard time of letting go as they continue to age and grow. I know it's important for them to become their own person, and growing up is just a part of life, but it's hard not to want to hold on to them a little longer knowing in the near future they will soon be leaving the nest.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, Shondra. Time speeds up when they are that age it seems. We have to cherish the time together.
DeleteChange has always been something that scares me and I would try to avoid it at all costs. But, I have learned that things change whether I want them to or not. So, accepting that change is happening is something that I have been trying to do, because it's going to happen whether I want it to or not. :)
ReplyDeleteTruth and wisdom. Thanks for joining the conversation.
DeleteInsightful and timely post - thanks, Lisa!
ReplyDeleteHope we can catch up if you're going to ACFW. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteLisa, I think most of us hate change. I find as I get older that it is harder to deal with and unfortunately happens more frequently. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining the conversation, Mary. :)
DeleteI love this post! It's so true. I'm sorry you've had so much to face recently, but grateful for your example of trust.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your words of encouragement. :)
DeleteWell said, Lisa!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Leigh.
DeleteChange has always been hard for me. I "crave" a routine so to speak. I like to plan and know what to expect. Things obviously don't work out that way, and it is then I am reminded of the saying "when we plan, God laughs." I have had to learn to lean and depend on God as I figure out the path and just try to make the best of it.
ReplyDeleteWould love to win a copy of this book! Thanks for the opportunity!
Tiffany
jtabalk(at)hotmail(dot)com
I love to plan and know, too. Which means I like being in control. Hence, probably why God keeps taking me to the edge of my comfort zone and pushing me over the cliff. Learning trust is head.
DeleteI'm not a big fan of change either, Lisa. It stressed me tremendously. I'm sorry for the loss of your father.
ReplyDeleteI've been there on the children leaving for college - and them coming back - and then leaving again for grad school - and maybe coming back again. I've learned to have an open door. :)
Thanks for sharing, Cate. It's always a wonderful day when everyone is home together.
DeleteI find change hard, too. Letting go of expectations can be difficult. Your book looks very sweet. I love the cover.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Terri. I'm a big fan of The Greatest Generation. It contains a nostalgic WW2 backstory. I think you hit the nail on the head—expectations. Those get me into trouble always.
DeleteI have problems with change. When we moved , it was hard to adjust to a place where I did not know anyone. Right now I am in a place where my parents need more care and I need to change my expectations of what I can do in a day. Thanks for reminding me that GOD's timing is right all the time.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading this story.
Blessings to you as you love and serve not only your parents but God.
DeleteHey Lisa, So excited about this new book! Can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. :)
DeleteI have to agree with everyone here. I don't like change, I don't like my routine messed with. It makes me feel out-of-sorts. But I'm also learning that God understands that and He really does have a plan in everything. I'm not stepping off a cliff without a ledge under me :-) So when change comes, I have to give it up to Him and trust Him that everything will be ok as long as He's in charge! And do it scared, lol!
ReplyDeleteMy son will be starting his second year in our local community college, so it was quite an adjustment for all of us last year. I'm praying that this year will be easier because we know what to expect. For now, he still lives at home, but I know when it's time to fly the nest, it will be hard on me. Our oldest is already out on her own and has been for a few years, but she only lives 5 minutes away so there's that :-) Just like a baby, I need to learn to take one step at a time and trust God to lead me in the way!
Thank you for the book giveaway, it sounds like deals with this very thing. I love when we can learn lessons through characters in a book!
For me it's all about learning trust and obedience. Thanks for joining the conversation.
DeleteI don't like change, unless I instigate it LOL
ReplyDeleteWe have 6 kids, with the last one in his 3rd year of college, and it was hard to let each one of them go. Both of my hubby's and my parents have died, and it was hard to say goodbye. Both my hubby and I have lost a sister. I hate change, and yet I know that is the time when I grow close to God the most.
ReplyDelete