hope for unwelcome seasons
For the past eight weeks we’ve been having our master bathroom remodeled, which is why you haven’t heard from me. Because sometimes we have to pause some meaningful things in life so we can take care of other meaningful things.
So we can be present to the reality of whatever moment we’re in…
As a person with highly sensitive traits, being “present” for remodeling projects is inherently traumatic for me. But choosing to do so has enabled me to pay attention to things others might miss, for which I am grateful.
Such as the evening I discovered a relatively large water spill soaking down through the construction paper covering our hardwood floor, and was able to pull it up quickly enough to avoid what could have been thousands of dollars worth of damage.
I’ve also been learning a lot about releasing my perfectionistic tendencies. Because there’s been no small amount of reminders on that front. :)
As unpleasant as the past eight weeks have been, Jesus knew what I needed to navigate this season. The same is true for whatever unwelcome circumstance you may find yourself in right now.
During difficult times it can be tempting to switch to auto-pilot mode, focusing on tasks and activities to avoid the unpleasantness of dashed hopes and crushing disappointments.
You may find yourself fantasizing about an idealized version of the future to the point that you feel you cannot tolerate your present, or isolating from people in your life who want to offer a more positive view than what you’re seeing right now.
But staying engaged - and PRESENT - is key in these seasons.
Because what if…
Jesus knows the season you’re in? (He does.)
Jesus wants to grow you in the season you’re in? (He does.)
Jesus has a pathway for you to experience joy even when things are not ideal? (Yep, again…)
Whatever you’re going through, I can promise you this: Jesus is not surprised by your situation. And he wants you to know you’re not alone.
Jesus SEES you, in the midst of your distress, dashed hopes and unrealized dreams, AND will use your (true) friends as mirrors of his love.
He is TENDER for you in the sadness, fear, anger, and disappointment you are feeling, AND loves to use healthy community to reflect this part of his heart toward you.
He is WITH you as you wrestle through the “why’s” and “what-if’s”, AND built his church on people sharing meals and wrestling through questions together, and…
He KNOWS what is ahead of this season for you - not merely some idealized version of the future, but the REAL one he planned out for you before you were born. One that includes feeling seen, known and loved by imperfect yet available humans.
If you’re reading this and thinking, “she’s writing directly to me,” take that as evidence of the previous four paragraphs.
Because all I’m doing here is sharing what I’m learning. And reveling in the newfound beauty of the (almost finished) bathroom.
For TRUTH…
- cr
