Stepping into a new season

Whether we are ready or not, the season of Fall will soon be upon us.  The carefree, summertime schedules and activities and spontaneous gathering of friends on a summer evening will soon give way to a different pace.  The start of school and new activities revolving around sports or music or community events will demand a tighter reign on family time.  It can be an exciting time as the new routines are fresh and full of fun possibilities, but it can also become overwhelming if life becomes too hectic and draining trying to meet the needs and expectations of so many.  

On one hand, I am ready for the cool, crisp Fall weather as I do not feel well in the heat and humidity.  This summer was a hot one even for CT!  Whew!  The crazy weather fluctuations had me lying flat out in my dark bat cave with AC and not popping outside until the evenings.  Bummer.  On the other hand, I am not quite ready to let go of summer because I secretly wish for a "do-over".  Many of my plans of people to see, places to go, and things to do sat on a dusty shelf.  Life had other plans...

For me, I desire to be intentional about stepping into a new season, and I don't mean just Fall.  I want to be intentional about stepping into a new season of deeper faith, more trust, and an increased surrender to God who knows what is best for me and my family.   Stepping into an attitude of grattitude under all circumstances will take courage. I want to prepare myself for this process of "stepping in" by trusting and "letting go".  May God grant me his glorious grace.  

So as we all step into a new season of our lives, I will leave you with these words and reflections from an author, John McQuiston II, in his book, "Always We Begin Again, The Benedictine Way of Living". 

"This is the gift we have been granted---the potential to experience all that comes to us in this life

 In complete confidence, love, and joy;

 To have the courage and strength 

 To put aside fear and despair;

 And to live each day

 In unquestioning trust in the divine providence

 Which has brought us into being."