I love the warmth of Summer. I love the fun it brings and the extra quality time it allows with the family outdoors. I enjoy sitting and relaxing on the patio, watching God’s creation scurry around. Summer is my favorite season of the year, and as it is quickly coming to an end, I am lamenting the busyness this summer has brought. Now, we are heading into Fall, which may be your favorite season. With Fall comes cooler breezes, the smell of rustic leaves, pumpkin spice, and Fall décor. Next is winter, when we celebrate Christ’s birth. Snow and cold temperatures invade, causing us all to bundle up, and some of us desire to hibernate. Then Spring with the hope of new life, warmer weather, and fragrant flowers. Which brings us back to Summer.

Just as there are yearly seasons, there are also seasons in each stage of life. Maybe you are in high school, praying to get on the team, be accepted to the college you’ve chosen, or simply to graduate. Some of us are just starting out with new jobs and looking forward to marriage and a family. Others spend their day changing diapers and wiping noses. Still others balance carpools, work, sports, and bickering teenagers. Regardless of the season of life we are in, there are always certain things we need to be consistent with.

“For everything there is a season, a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die, a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

I don’t know which season you are in. What I do know is that to maintain balance and our sanity, we must be grounded in God’s Word. We also cannot do the tasks He requires of us in our own strength. We must be fully dependent on Him. When we try to rely on ourselves to handle the ever-mounting to-do list, we become grumpy and snap at our loved ones, causing more problems that we have no time to deal with.

Recently, I was speaking to a mom who was an ‘empty nester’. She was struggling to figure out what God’s purpose was for this season of her life. Many years were spent raising children, homeschooling, carpooling, and all the other things.  Now what?  I realized this would be me in two years. The difference was that God had given me a very clear purpose for my future. Yes, I had disobeyed for many years and feel like I am playing catch-up. And yes, I rely on my own strength much too often and become overwhelmed. But I know my purpose. More than that, even if that was taken away tomorrow, I know that none of this is my identity. Not my children, my husband, or an occupation. My identity is in Christ.

Are you confident of your identity in Christ? One thing is certain: our season will change. When it does, will you be dismayed and fall into despair, and sinking sand? (Matthew 7:24-27) Or will your identity in Christ keep you planted firmly on the solid rock? What can you start today to ensure your tomorrow will begin well-balanced?

Tips: Do you desire to read your Bible, but this season has you overwhelmed? Download an audio version of the Bible and listen to it while you are nursing, driving, or cleaning up toys. I use the ESV through Crossway.

Listen to a Biblical Podcast as you do your daily work. Proverbs 31 Ministries has an excellent one geared toward women and our daily struggles

Remember, it is just a season; it won’t last forever.  Turn to God for strength, and He will help you through it.