08/31/2026
"To everything there is a season..."
This weekend, a close family friend—a young lady who has been like a little sister to me—is getting married. To make it even sweeter, she is marrying a wonderful young man who happens to be the son of one of my team members! It is a celebratory week all around.
But with that incredible joy for them comes the reality of change. He lives an hour or so away... So after this weekend, she won't be just down the road anymore. She won't be in her usual pew each Sunday, she won’t be playing the violin, and she won't be my Junior Church buddy. Am I over the moon for her? Oh absolutely! Will life be different - for family, friends, etc? Of course.
I have several other friends expecting new additions to their families right now, too. Again, there is so much joy, but it brings undeniable shifts to everyday life.
And over this last week, I've been reflecting on the words of Ecclesiastes 3, and I am reminded that change is multi-faceted. Sometimes, even in the middle of profound joy, there is a little bit of sorrow. And oftentimes in pain, there is good that results. The same dark clouds that bring the rain refresh the earth and bring us beautiful rainbows.
So how about this week, we allow ourselves to hold conflicting emotions? Joy and sorrow, relief and pain - whatever the realities may be for you, in this moment. Just know that one emotion does not negate the other.
That passage in Ecclesiastes about the seasons also reminds us, in verse 11: "He hath made everything beautiful in His time."
Maybe the goal isn't to force ourselves to feel just one way. Maybe we just learn to walk through the season we are in with the Lord, rather than wishing it was different, more, or less.
Let's trust the Designer to give us exactly what we need. Today. In this season. Can we do that, friends?
I hope so - Happy Fall, y'all!! 🍂💛
