Several days in a row I caught myself applying the definition of insanity while indulging myself in cravings that kept on making me sick. I continued the routine until I scolded myself for doing the same thing over and over expecting different results.
It’s the same with seasons of life. If we long for the outcome to be different, but we take no action, how silly (or dare I say even foolish) is that?
Evaluate Your Current Season
When someone’s overwhelmed we often say “They have too much on their plate.” I need to ask myself if currently I’m having too much on my plate.
Most days my heart feels like I can manage big platters, but there are occasions when my body limits me to a saucer. Instead of allowing frustration, anger or bitterness to grip my heart, I need to recognize it as a season, and evaluate what’s realistic.
Am I fitting a turkey on a saucer? Am I overloading my capacity?
Others might be fighting disappointment, lack of purpose and direction, possibly boredom from an ongoing predicted routine. It’s high time for an evaluation.
Am I placing a tiny teacup on a turkey platter? Am I maximizing my potential?
Practical steps to evaluate
Prayer always comes first (and not because rumour goes that it suits well the Christian vocab). I’m placing prayer at the top because that’s how I stay sane and focused in difficult seasons. My new motto is ‘More on my knees and less on my toes’. Invite others to pray with you, and for you.
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” Psalm 127:1
Reading godly books on relevant topics is mighty beneficial. It can refresh forgotten principles. It can confront my sin without arguing with someone. It can introduce me to novel ideas. It can educate me from someone else’s experience.
“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14
Staying vulnerable informs and invites others to lend a hand. I prefer to be needed than needy. It takes humility to be authentic, to ask for counsel, and to unplug your ears to listen. We can always glean wisdom from various sources, even when we don’t fully agree. As my husband often says, “Eat the meat. Spit the bones.”
“The godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong.” Psalm 37:30
Listing the struggles might bring light into what steps need to be taken to bring resolve.
Celebrating the victories no matter how small, is crucial. It’s easier to complain than to count blessings, but not healthier.
“… give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Edit Your Current Season
Be painfully specific with the changes that need to be made.
Be joyfully realistic even if it’s not quite how you expected for this season of life to look like.
Be completely intentional. You may not feel like making changes. The fulfilment will often come after you see the plan in work mode. Accountability and deadlines force us to move forward.
Read & Meditate: James 5: 10-11
“Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”