Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that there is a season in everything. Poetry In other words It means comforting us in a world consumed by continuous change, unfolding an era of beauty and sadness, tranquility and confusion, calmness and chaos. This precious poem proudly sits at the coffee table whispers a stern reminder that this life is bound by time. As I walk past it every day, there is this cute way that this poem draws me towards me and actually begs me to etch it into my mind.
But by being completely honest with you, this new season of “quiet” from the h fuss that I have become accustomed to over the years is bittersweet, and I have not stepped into it with so much dignity and grace. Sigh. But I’m stumbling at this mere strange time in life, and desperately trying to embrace the harsh reality that time is a thief, but I’m coming to see God revealing that this time is a sweet gift too!
When your child goes out to college and your house gets creepy and quiet, no one will tell anyone what you say to you. No one, and I mean no one, but I will always creep up to you and prepare you with a brutal wave of emotions that surge across your whole body, completely letting you down. Like, one moment you are completely healthy, and the next moment you are in tears. After all, you poured your heart and soul into your child, preparing them for this moment. All your prayers have focused on them! But now, silence is deafening, and perhaps your prayer life has stopped screeching or become a mess with all these new strange emotions you are experiencing.
Ah, dear friend, if you are walking an unfamiliar season of wrestling in a home that holds a faint laugh of wide emotion and distant memories, I will spread a virtual embrace from understanding and heart. Having just sent out your firstborn, baby, your mighty middle, or your only beloved, this season, resonates with the past, can be a difficult medicine to swallow, as it clashes with the harsh reality that this life is really short. It’s a huge burden for any mom and it’s okay to admit it.
So today I recommend slowing you down. Start by taking a deep breath, grabbing the Bible, and finding a comfortable place. If it’s a good day, sit outside. The beauty of this season is that we may even trip and fall, but thankfully we have a big god with strong arms. All we need to do is allow him to embrace us today and in the future and cover us with His truth and grace.
Remember your identity
The truth is that we can be so enveloped in our motherhood roles that we forget that we are first and foremost daughters. It’s easy to teach us who our children are and what they follow, but we can’t forget that we are his children either! This season may be the perfect time to read and recite some simple truths loudly. In other words, if you are trying to regain the noise in your humble home, it may come with the power of his words! Fill your heart and home with the incredible love of God as you declare your precious identity as his beloved daughter.
You are created in his image (Genesis 1:27).
You are a new creation, completely perfect in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17).
You are chosen (1 Peter 5:7).
You are a beautiful masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10).
Christ lives in you (Galatians 2:20).
You will be God’s beloved child and will inherit His kingdom (Romans 8:17).
You are wonderfully and intricately made (Ps. sal 139:14).
You are deeply loved (1 John 4:9-10).
You are completely forgiven and pleased in God (Colossians 2:13-14).
I feel like it’s healing
Your home feels different now. It’s okay to admit that. the Understood Passing past your college student’s room in colours of sadness. Maybe you want to go, perhaps you Wish I’m outside. Respect your feelings and accept that you “feel to heal.”
A wise friend with several children in college told me once when her children left, it was like a wave of sadness over her for about a month. She’s not the best way to get closer to it, but feel that. Just like the sorrow we carry, we must allow ourselves to heal our own space (time) and grace (respect our feelings).
When our children are unable to return home on special occasions or are absent for a long period of time, we must realize that those waves of sadness are likely to return and resurface. But the beauty of sorrow is that God meets us in our sorrows. Read Matthew 5:4 and Psalm 34:18 to find comfort and peace.
Make a quiet room
Psal sal 46:10 commands us to be still. It sounds easy, but as a society, we have Very difficult Time “still exists.” So, what does “station” mean? What’s even better is God commanding us in this verse? Just as God protected Israel, our beloved nation from hostile threats, he can do the same for us when we fight our everyday battles. We trust him and only take our perfect and meticulous attention as he deserves the same.
This season, I encourage you to pause every day and create space for quietness. It may be uncomfortable at first, but when you defeat all the distractions and sit in silence, God can stir your heart. This kind time can guide our conversation with God, who can bring us peace beyond all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Fire up a new passion
You have tried your best to prepare your college student for success, but now it’s time to discover your A new chapter. This transition can be emotional, but you may still be learning to “let go,” but finding joy and ignite a new passion gives you a whole new purpose.
Like other new seasons, it takes time to embrace and adjust the changes that come with it. At the same time, this creates a beautiful opportunity to explore gifts and talents you may have put aside. Whether you find a new hobby that will stimulate your interests just Enjoy a peaceful house without all the fuss, Proverbs 16:3 tells us to commit to the Lord no matter what we do, and he establishes our plans. We can trust that truth and know that God is still shaping our future. Need more encouragement? Read Matthew 6:33, Jeremiah 29:11, Philippians 4:13, and Proverb 18:16.
This new seasonal prayer
God, we are so grateful that you are the source of our constant strength. Step into this new, unknown season and promote emotions that bring bittersweet memories, and ask you to draw close by. Please encourage us to navigate this season with hope and remember first that our identity is your beloved daughter, not to be seen by our children. Please allow us to feel healthy as we sadden the past and aim for the future. Help us find you in quiet moments and use our gifts and talents to praise and praise you. We love you and appreciate the gift of time. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
There is all time and seasons of all activities under the heavens. Evangelion 3:1
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Grace Cary
 Alicia Sarle is a prayer writer, blogger and speaker, and is passionate about pouring her heart out and directing women of all ages towards Jesus. She has a Master’s degree in Educational Background and Literacy. Her favorite people call her mom. So much of her time cheers them in softball games and dance classes. She is married to a heartbeat (a tall, pointy blonde) that can whip the average latte. She sipped on the goodness of the puppy while licking her legs and writing her mind on the page. Visit her website aliciasearl.com and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.
Alicia Sarle is a prayer writer, blogger and speaker, and is passionate about pouring her heart out and directing women of all ages towards Jesus. She has a Master’s degree in Educational Background and Literacy. Her favorite people call her mom. So much of her time cheers them in softball games and dance classes. She is married to a heartbeat (a tall, pointy blonde) that can whip the average latte. She sipped on the goodness of the puppy while licking her legs and writing her mind on the page. Visit her website aliciasearl.com and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.
Related Resources: Soft Words on a Tough Day: Conversation with Aundi Kolber
One day it feels heavy. Some moments wonder how we will continue. If you have ever longed for encouragement in the most difficult moments of life, then I have a special episode of love offering for you. This week I will be joined by therapist and bestselling author Aundi Kolber to discuss her latest book, Take What You Need: Soft Words for Hard Days. This beautiful collection of quotes, bibles, prayers, and gentle exercises is designed to be the balm of your most gentle place.
In our conversation, we explore:
How to hold space for yourself and others in difficult seasons
The power of compassionate words when difally feels overwhelming
Healing A practical way to embrace healing and take another step forward
If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to our love offerings on Apple and Spotify so you don’t miss out on the episode!
 
		 
									 
					