The start of one season, by necessity, requires the cessation of another one.
Albeit, an unusual way to begin a blogging journey, it comes after a finish line for me –
specifically, completing almost 20 years of homeschooling my three daughters. There is
a sense of accomplishment, but the bitter to the sweet is the knowledge that this season
is finished; my assignment has been completed. And what a sweet, life-giving season it
has been!
This particular finish line has been crossed, new adventures lie ahead, but a looming,
in-between place surrounds me. More challenging than I’d imagined, this “hallway
place” feels like a discipline, a weighty space between the familiar of what has been –
the “known” – and the new unfamiliar ahead. A time of preparation, but for a yet-
unclear goal. Sound familiar?
I recently read that the verse describing God’s Word as “a lamp to my feet and a light to
my path” (Psalm 119:105 NKJV) was referencing a practice used by shepherds in the
extreme dark of valley places, where a small lamp would be lit and hooked just above
their feet. It provided enough light for just the next step or two. Often, when faced with
the unfamiliar, we want illumination, understanding, and clarity when what God is
wanting is our obedience, trust, and surrender. Our response is a significant component
in how manageable or difficult our faith journey will be.
In full disclosure, I don’t like endings, or goodbyes, or change. Not knowing the plan
ahead is a challenge for me, too. But I have witnessed God faithfully and patiently
leading along, refining my character along the way. When Proverbs 3:5,6 instructs:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;” (NKJV),
we must realize that these two statements represent our choices: to trust in the Lord
completely OR to understand and trust ourselves. Opposing options, we simply must
decide; we cannot choose both!
So, in this season, this space, I know what I will choose. I choose to trust in the Lord
with all my heart. I don’t understand, and I can’t see many steps ahead. But maybe
this is exactly where I’m meant to be. I don’t know what’s ahead, but I know it will be a
God-adventure! Won’t you join me?