Can you feel it?
Though it’s still HOT in North Carolina, and the leaves are still green. . .
Though the water is still warm enough for this fair weathered swimmer to immerse her whole body into the ocean, and the insects still orchestrate a concert every night. . .
Though I have no children to make peanut butter sandwiches for every day before they walk to school. . .
I feel it.
I can feel the change of season in the air. Fall is on its way.
I may need to purchase some yellow mums, change the wreathe on the front door, and light the pumpkin spice candle even though it’s a little early.
I love the seasons. And I love change. But even as a person who likes change, it is always more challenging than anticipated. New seasons in life such as moving to a new town, having a baby, or children moving away, or taking a new job, they all require adjustment and grace.
. . . Grace to find your new rhythm.
In simplest of terms, grace is what God gives us for eternal life as He forgives our sins, it’s unmerited favor. But His grace is also manifested through the Holy Spirit with gifts of strength, joy, and peace. And I don’t think it ironic that another definition of grace can be applied to a dancer.
For grace gives us rhythm to dance through the new season with beauty.
King Solomon, the wisest man in the world, wrote in Ecclesiastes 3:
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away, (I like this one.)
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
Do you hear the rhythm?
It’s the same rhythm found in nature, gravity, music, and art. Even in our breath.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
A new season or major change in our lives often knocks us off balance. We find ourselves stumbling trying to regain our footing. But new seasons often demand new shoes and a new dance.
I’m learning that the new rhythm only comes with time and acceptance, letting go and allowing God to lead. I only find my rhythm when I trust Him in the change.
But despite my awkward beginnings the rhythm will come.
Just like fall.
Go buy some new shoes. You’ll feel better.
Leave a Comment:
I’d love to hear your thoughts: Was there anything in the famous Ecclesiastes passage that you didn’t realize was there. Will this passage help you gain your rhythm?
Jesus Loves You!
I love the Fall season! It’s time to settle back into routines and I look forward to the cooler mornings and the fresh, crispness in the air (though not here in NC yet!). Whether it’s new routines or old ones, I love how you put it….
“…Grace to find your new rhythm.”
“Grace gives us rhythm to dance through the new season with beauty.”
I am looking forward to dancing through this new season…Fall and otherwise…with grace and beauty!
Me too Debbie! I’v never been so ready for cooler days. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Blessings!
Even though it is such a strange memory, i remember the Byrds singing this as a song. How neat it is put to music and the words are for everlasting unto everlasting. So much truth in such a small verse of God’s word.
Hi Anna! I’m sure if I heard the song, I would know it. I agree. So much truth. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts! I pray blesings on your new season.
Love this one Andy Lynn~~~where do you live in North Carolinia??? I don’t know~~bet you don’t know that I live in nowhere Albuquerque~~~`not bad but not wonderful.
This I will share with you~~growing up on the family farm and ranch, change is natural~~~with the lost of an animal, a sudden change in the weather, from sunshine to hail falling on a beautiful wheat crop, destroying a large part of the family income. A steer knocking Ernest into a post, changing his hearing forever. Always change~~~two important factures~Mother and Dad’s faith and God’s gift of laughter~~~that infectious sense of humor of Dad’s was the healing grace. How blessed to be perpared for the worst and how blessed to learn the meaning of gratitude. We were blessed because of Mother and Dad’s faith.
Aunt Nannie
Hi Janice! We live in Wilmington. It’s a wonderful place to live. I’m glad to know you’re in Albuquerque. :) Thanks for sharing the memories of growing up on the farm and the lessons of change there. Yes, laughter and faith were the bedrocks. I’m so very thankful for those memories too and Mamaw and Pawpaw. We were blessed.
I enjoyed your thoughts on change, Andy. I think of the words of a song by Trace Balin that ministered to me. “Bittersweet changes in my mirror and my soul.” It’s all just more opportunities to lean hard on Jesus.
Absolutely, Sondra! Thanks for stopping by and sharing!
I love this, Andy! Grace is so hard to describe and you’ve done it beautifully. Got my dancing shoes on.
Thank you, Terry! keep dancing!
I like the same verse you do — “a time to keep and a time to throw away.” It speaks to me both in the natural and spiritual. Cleaning out our closets, pulling out those favorite sweaters and cozy pair of boots. But most of all, it speaks to me about seeking and hearing from God about what goals, ambitions, projects and what direction He really wants me to focus on in the new season. And I think as we age and we realize we have more years behind us than in front of us, this becomes even more crucial. Thanks for reminding me that it’s time to stop, adjust our spiritual calendars and seek God’s grace for the next season of our lives.
That’s wonderful, Sandy! Thank you. I was just thinking of all of the “stuff” in our garage! LOL! But I love the thought of cleaning out my spirit too. Thanks for sharing your wisdom, my friend!
Thanks, Andy!
You’re so welcome, Janice! Thanks for reading and commenting. I’m praying for you in this new season.
You know how God through others shares words right where you are but maybe you don’t want to hear it. That would be today in that hard place. I’ll thank you one day.
Dear Daphne, I’ll be praying for you. I know that hard place. Thank you for sharing. Really, go buy some new shoes.