March is usually the month with the most unpredictable weather. While wind is a given, temperatures are erratic. March teases us with a warm and sunny day followed by a return to cold and dreary. A chilly morning gives way to a hot afternoon, or a warm start to the day ends with blustery cold.
Just as March is an unpredictable weather month, so we experience unexpected life seasons. We grow accustomed to what usually happens, and then our world is upended by the unexpected.
Following are reflections on March seasons in life:
Flex with the Unexpected
It would be nice if everything in life were predictable. Certainly, predictability would make for less stress, but it could also render life boring. Unexpected life seasons are not always negative, although we may chafe at the changes they bring.
Along with seasonal change comes the opportunity for growth, and growth is often not without some level of pain. The ability to flex with what you expect stimulates a shift that broadens your perspective.
Adaptability
I didn’t expect to be adapting to widowhood in my 60’s. Usually, that phase of life comes later. Yet, if you don’t make an effort to adapt to your current circumstances, whatever they are, you risk withdrawing from life and miss the positives.
When a March season of life blows in, remember how you coped in the past. Did you rely on wisdom gained in past seasons of difficulty? Did you lean on friends for support? Did you grow closer to God? Where you receptive to change, or did complain and battle each new shift?
Adaptability is key to weathering life’s changing seasons.
Life Seasons Come and Go
Life is a progression of ever-changing seasons: joy, grief, refreshment, drought, and plenty.
Maybe you are in a hard life season that came and feels like it never left. Or perhaps you’ve experienced one hard season on the heels of another.
During multiple seasons of challenge, it is difficult to remember life seasons moderate and eventually change. We forget the joy of seasons of plenty and fulfillment and focus on those that are hard.
Ultimately, if you are resilient, you regain forward motion, even if you’ve been sidelined in a season of difficulty longer than expected.
Remember God is in control, even when it doesn’t feel as if He is. Trust God to change your life seasons in a way that is beneficial to you now and in the future.
“May the name of God be praised forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding” (Daniel 2:20-21 HCSB).
©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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