a season of learning
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
What I love about these verses is how, with every not-so-good thing, comes a good thing. Seasons of our lives can be filled with a mix of emotions. For me, this season has been fruitful and fun, yet challenging and testing all at the same time. Since the time I began writing blogs, my “why” has always been to encourage others through my experiences and be a light for Jesus in a dark world that so desperately needs Him.
Writing blogs has been my outlet for teaching others, sharing the truth, and showing Jesus through my experiences. I’ve had the blessing of encouraging others through the words on this website and the booklet in their hands. To God be all the glory. I always come back to the truth that this ministry, this platform, these words- it’s all the Lord’s. He has just chosen me to partner with Him in this and steward His Kingdom in this way. He’s the Shepherd and I am the sheep. He’s the Master, and I am His servant.
You may have noticed that this past season of Live As Light has been a little slow. All for good reasons! I have seen God work in the private, slow moments that are preparing me for the bigger, busier seasons. The biggest thing God has been teaching me lately is to learn to learn! My goodness, have I been learning! I’m learning without even realizing it!
I’m learning to rest in His presence.
I’m learning to have confidence in who He has made me to be.
I’m learning to love others well.
I’m learning to steward what is right in front of me.
I’m learning more about His word and what He has called me to.
I’m learning to live slowly and embrace all He has made.
I believe God has made us all to be learners. Learners of His word and learners in His world. I, too, know that God has made us to be teachers. Teachers of His word and teachers in His world!
If you know me, you know I am a wonderer. I call myself a wonderer because I ask a lot of questions, I’m curious about people, their passions, and their experiences. My mind is always thinking. Thinking of questions and pondering on answers. The experiences of people fascinate me. It’s all our first and only time on this planet, so I want to know all about how it is for them!
So, in this season I’m learning. I’m learning more about God and more about others. I’m learning about God’s design for humanity, His almighty power, and never-ending grace. I’m learning from others' experiences and encounters with the Lord. From others, I’m learning more about Jesus.
My encouragement to you today is to sit and slow. Enjoy a cup of coffee outside and listen to the birds chirp. Go for a prayer walk and breathe in the fresh air. Take a minute to sit on the couch with popcorn and a show. Call a friend. Study a book of the Bible. Have a dance party in your bedroom and invite Jesus into it. Ask a friend questions and go deep! Read about a Bible character and study their life.
Friend, rest in His presence and learn from His word. Talk to His people and learn from them too. His yoke is easy, His burden is light.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Don’t worry, lots of goodness is coming soon! I’m so excited to see what God has for this next season. Join me in praying over it!
