A hint is a small clue, a tiny trace, or barely noticeable amount of smell, taste, or feeling.
In the last week, I’ve noticed a tiny touch of fall in the air. Cooler mornings and a few yellow and orange leaves hint that seasonal change is ahead. After a long, hot summer, I’m ready for fall to present itself in a blaze of colorful glory.
One of my first hints of fall this year came with a whiff of cinnamon brooms lurking at the entrance to the grocery store. Restaurants brandish signs touting all things pumpkin. Clothing stores temp with heavy fall fashions guaranteed to roast the wearer now. Yet, we look forward to, and dream of, crisp temperatures, sweater weather.
Seasonal Change
Just as seasonal change occurs, life seasons come and go. Some people resist seasonal change; others embrace it. I am one who looks forward to changing seasons in nature. However, changing life seasons are sometimes harder to handle.
I never expected to become a widow at the age I did. I had plans for lots of travel after Jim’s retirement. In reality, we had a little over a year between Jim’s retirement and his death. But what I quickly learned regarding this unwanted season of widowhood is the gift of choice. I could either accept the change and maintain forward motion, or resist it, opting for an attitude of continual mourning and wishing for what was, which is pointless.
We can’t control life changes any more than we can control seasonal changes in nature, but we can find sources of joy and gratitude in every life season, even hard ones.
Remembering
I am thankful for God’s faithfulness in all seasons of life. The history of God’s faithfulness in my life reminds me He can be trusted to walk with me through every hardship. Remembering God’s faithfulness quiets fears and spurs forward motion. And oddly, looking back is often the impetus for moving forward.
Looking Forward
Much in life teaches us the benefits of looking ahead. Although God is the final decision-maker and orchestrater, planning is part of what makes life run smoothly. Without looking forward, we’re often caught unprepared, panicking when hasty decisions are required, or quick implementation is necessary.
Our choir is already rehearsing Christmas music. Last week, our director gave us a pep talk about memorizing the music, using a personal experience story about how cramming for tests or exams rarely worked out well for him. He reminded us that preparation is key to avoiding last-minute panic, feeling unprepared, and cramming.
When life gives you hints of roadblocks or detours ahead, create a backup plan. Look far enough ahead to see potential bumps in the road and make preparations for alternate routes.
God-Hints
Several times in my life, God has provided hints of what was ahead. The night before my father was hospitalized and received a terminal cancer diagnosis, I had a dream foretelling what was ahead.
A few months before Jim’s death, on multiple occasions, God whispered, cherish every moment.
While hints of what lies ahead aren’t always given, when you sense an urgency about contacting someone, or visiting, don’t put it off. Those gentle promptings are for a reason and a season.
God offers other hints of promises, protection, and provision. Pay attention. Your next life season is just ahead. Face it with courage, faith, and trust.
“For everything that happens in life—there is a season, a right time for everything under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 VOICE).
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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