Change happens in an instant.
That split second stroke of a pen. A clock's steady tick-tock. The shrill, heart-stopping ring of the phone in the middle of the night. A calendar page flipped. That long-dreaded farewell.
But transitions?
These steady visitors to our lives, so deeply yearned for or completely unbidden, can linger on. And on.
We've all experienced those seasons that range from mildly discombobulating all the way up to the numbing, excruciating grief of a severed relationship, a death, an abandoning. A financial upheaval, a health crisis. A betrayal, a relocation, a denial.
And the endless waiting spaces in the midst of it all that can leave us a little worse for wear.

We're experiencing it here, now. It starts when we awake. Instead of throwing off the covers, we reach to pull them up closer and linger in the cozy overnight cocoon we've created for ourselves ... even as we vow to dig those gently fraying flannel sheets out of the back of the closet and get them tucked over and on to the awaiting mattress.
We start our days by donning the worn, warm robe and wonderfully fleecy socks instead of a tee-shirt and shorts. And when we stumble to the kitchen, we grab a favorite mug and brew a 'hot cuppa,' rather than reach for a glass to fill with icy cold juice.
As we prepare for the day, we hear the engines of school buses passing by instead of the fan's endless whirring or the air conditioner's incessant hum. We leave the oven door open after pulling the golden blueberry muffins out, just to get a bit more warm air in the room. And when we head out the door, we grab a scarf or a sweatshirt, just in case.
Classes and groups, clubs and meetings start anew. Schedules emerge and seem to take on a life of their own. The calendar fills ... to overflowing if we just can't say 'no, thanks.' And we know, for sure, that the lazy days of summer have become a distant memory.
We dig out the crockpot instead of lighting up the grill. Candlelight emerges once again, starting at suppertime and soothing us with its warm glow and gentle fragrance as the coolness of evening descends and another day comes to a close.
And as we chat back and forth, catching up with the day's details, we realize that our nightcaps have morphed from ice cream sundaes into steaming mugs of hot cocoa with whipped cream on top ... as we hunker under an old quilt or two. For it's way too early in the season to turn the heat on.
I don't know about you, but I've been through lots of transitions that I never want to experience again. But autumn's gentle rhythm, its compelling rhyme, its steadying cadence, its awaiting invitations?
I'm leaning right into it all.
And I'm comforted by this truth. That when {not if} the transitions come that leave me gasping for my next breath, I will be held and comforted and strengthened.
Because He never changes.
This makes me want to grab a hot cuppa and sit a spell with you. I love change when it's life-bringing and slow. The other kind of change...not so much. Now I want to go back to bed and snuggle under the covers!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to sit awhile with you, friend! And let's hear it for life-giving change!
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Oh how I love this! Fall is my favorite season and I even love the cold of winter too. Unfortunately it's still 85 degrees and humid here, so know snuggling up in robes and fleeces for us yet. But it will be here soon enough and I can't wait for that!
ReplyDeleteYep, it's warm and toasty up here on Massachusetts' shoreline, too! But within about 2 hours, it'll be back to the robes and fleeces!
DeleteSavor your final summertime moments, lovely lady!
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I am so thankful that He never changes (because change is so hard!)
ReplyDeleteThat He is strong and solid and constant is a peace-filled consolation, isn't it ...
DeleteI love change but not necessarily from grief, betrayal and abandonment. Change invigorates me so that is why I live in a state with 4 seasons. Change boosts my brain cells cause I have to think more. I now have to think about what to wear. I do not like it when relationships change---when you thought someone was a good friend and then they disappear from your life never to contact you again. That is confusing change.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that autum has a gentle rhythm. It has a compelling outdoor invitation for me. You truly captured the essence of change when tough things happen contrasted with the changes that occur in the Fall.
I can see you bundled up, my friend, and sipping at your hot drink.
Those changes you first mentioned are killers aren't they, Carol. Only by His healing touch do we survive, experience healing, and grow to be more like Christ. Thankfully He can redeem our pain in ways that we'll never quite comprehend!
DeleteAnd yes, the fleece vests are out and there's a light quilt on the bed. Autumn has made its gentle arrival known.
Always grateful when you join us here, friend. You add much to the conversation ...
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The fact that the seasons change-both in my life and in the weather- and the FACT He never does always rocks my world! I don't ever want to forget that.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely amen, Bill.
DeleteBreath-taking post! Yes--I have experienced some of those changes you speak of and NEVER want to go there again, but so thankful He was steadfastly by my side! Wonderful words, Friend!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
What a steadfast Redeemer and Companion is He ...
DeleteWeekend joys, Lulu, to you!
The fact that He never changes is certainly good enough for me too, my friend. Fall is such a wonderful season. My only gripe with it is Winter comes too quickly after. I guess it's time to whip out my crockpot. Thanks for the reminder :). I hope you and your precious family are healing. I know it's going to be a long, hard road. Many blessings to you all! XO
ReplyDeleteYep, the chill of winter will come all too soon. I'm savoring these warm days and brisk nights ... from flip flops to quilts in just a few short hours!
DeleteGotta love it! Especially during these changepoints we're enjoying now ...
Have a wonderful weekend, dear Candace!
Beautiful post my friend, I love reading your musings.. - www.domesticgeekgirl.com
ReplyDeleteAnd I love when you stop in to visit!
DeleteHave a super week, Gingi!
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Love your words here, Linda. And I'm so excited for the fall season to descend. It's my favorite time of year because of all the many things you've so eloquently mentioned. Only wish you and I could grab a hot cuppa together. Wouldn't that be nice? Praying that these new thresholds bring a comfort in the familiar to your grieving family.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right on ... there is a comfort to the familiar rhythms and hope in the new thresholds. Thanks for putting into words what is oh-so-true ...
DeleteGee ... anyway we could meet half way for that cup of something warm?
Would love it!
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Stunning words my friend! Thank you for speaking your heart that mirrors mine so closely. The cadence of autumn's gentle rhythms will see us both through to the other side of this time of transitions. That I am sure! Love you!
ReplyDeleteIt is kind of comforting when you meet another kindred spirit who's on the same pathway, isn't it? During this time of transitions and unknowns, it's such a blessing to know that others are making their way forward, trusting, believing, too!
DeleteWalking with ya' girl ...
Wow. That last paragraph about leaning into it all, being comforted that God never changes is very powerful! Thank you!
ReplyDeletePraise God for His changeless, holy character and His vast love for us, no matter where we are in our journey!
DeleteThanks for dropping by this evening, Angela ...