I probably rolled my eyes the first time I heard ‘seasons of life’ from a fellow Christian. It sounded chintzy to me, like something you’d find engraved on a plaque mounted next to a Thomas Kinkade print. Can you picture it: a painting of a too-perfect gazebo surrounded by a pristine English garden? Maybe it even has a little painting light mounted above it, to better sear the saccharine display into your mind. It makes me want to pick up a charcoal pencil and sketch in a kraken devouring the flowers, shooting laser beams at the sky in wild, blissful rage. The raw sweetness is sickening.
It can be maddening when you’re waiting for something in your life to happen–a change you want to occur. This can happen in seasons of rest or reflection, or during those times when Dusty Sandals* is preparing you for what comes next. It’s a “Wait here and trust me” or “Walk with me and trust me” kind of thing. I’m not an expert at this, but I think this is how it works.
I’m in such a season currently. A foundation in my life recently changed, somewhat dramatically and suddenly. Like a chess game, I am trying to figure out which piece to move next. I made a couple of foolish moves in the beginning chaos, but am stepping back to take a look at the bigger picture. Dusty Sandals is ever understanding and sympathetic–He gave me my queen back. Then He asked if He could sit down and play.
I said sure, but I would get unlimited handicaps. He agreed. There may have been a chuckle while I prepped the popcorn bowl and drinks.
Whenever we’re uncertain, those who follow Dusty Sandals can (see: need to) remember that He is always present and ultimately in control–even in the midst of evil (see: war) or otherwise very bad situations. When we suffer, He is suffering with us; when we rejoice, He rejoices and joins us at the taco bar for seconds. Sometimes during these seasons of waiting, we need to get out of His way and let Him work; other times we need to sit down with Him and break out the chessboard and talk it through together. But just be reassured–He’s there and He’s not leaving you. He promised you that long ago.
I hope everyone is well. To any readers in India, my thoughts and prayers are with you especially as your country continues to suffer so much with the pandemic. Please do your best to take care of yourselves and each other.
Until then, happy writing.
—-
*Dusty Sandals: I refer to Jesus sometimes in my blogs as “the guy in the dusty sandals” or “the guy with the dusty sandals”. I shortened it this time to Dusty Sandals. I don’t think He would mind.
A.R. Clayton 