Good Morning and Happy Monday!

I hope your weekend included laughter! With all the very pressing matters we face daily, there’s value in enjoying a little levity to help us along. In my case, I had a younger friend who was trying to interpret an ‘oldie’ on the radio and got the words so wrong that I quite literally laughed out loud. It felt good to enjoy one of those laughs that comes from your toes. Those few moments lightened my mood and created space for me to embrace my day in a way that was positive and creative.

Speaking of embracing, we can realize compelling benefits when we allow ourselves the latitude to embrace the exact time and circumstances that we’re currently experiencing. We’re able to expand our perspective and increase our knowledge base. We acquire information about ourselves and others around us. And, we can plan for the future without being burdened by the past.

It’s important to know that we may lose some friends or partnerships, as past mannerisms and deeds can no longer categorize us. In some circumstances, the loss may propel us into the next series of events that become our new season. Sometimes we have to walk away from people who aren’t willing to grow and change with us, which is often painful, but generally necessary to reach the next season. The reality is that growth requires balance, and balance comes from erecting effective boundaries and looking at every aspect of our lives with the critical eye of becoming better versions of ourselves.

The demands may be different, but each season has rewards that necessitate first letting go of ‘what was’ in favor of ‘what is to come.’ Scripture has many references to time, and eloquently refers to seasonal changes in Ecclesiastes 3 when the author writes in verse 1:

“To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:”

And again in verse 5:

“A time to embrace,
And a time to refrain from embracing;”

This next verse in Ephesians links embracing seasons with purpose:

“So be very careful how you live, not being like those with no understanding, but live honorably with true wisdom, for we are living in evil times. Take full advantage of every day as you spend your life for his purposes.”

Ephesians 5:15-16

This week let’s look at the season we find ourselves in and embrace what is edifying, purposeful, and honoring in our never-ending process of growth. Embracing the current season will both encourage and prepare us for the next.

Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda