Once upon a time I dared to dream I might write a book someday. By my age I would have book in hand yet here I am, book still unwritten, ideas dry in my brain.
As much as it’s continually uncomfortable to be with groups of people who are successful in ways that I would like, I’ve just come to understand that my “season” isn’t now. That has been a hard road.
In October it’s easy to recognize the fruits of the season: pumpkins, pumpkin bread and homemade pumpkin spice lattes dominate Pinterest right now. They are the fruits of an autumn in full swing.
But sometimes we still reach for a watermelon in October or a carton of strawberries near Thanksgiving and they don’t taste quite the same as they did in the height of summer.
I’ve struggled against the season in my life for many years. My kids were too young, my life was too busy, my heart was too dry. And my book was {is} unwritten.
Psalms describes the righteous person:
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither — whatever they do prospers.
Psalm 1:3 NIV
Fruit IN SEASON.
So I don’t have to produce giant harvests at all times of the year {or at all stages of my life?} And the small things I do are good things? I read this Psalm earlier this week and I took a deep releasing breath.
I believe God wants us to do great and mighty things for Him and He’s called us to listen and obey Him in this. But maybe my own personal tension between feeling like I should be farther along than I am and wanting to be a good steward of what I do have is simply that I’m in a different season. I don’t have to struggle against the season that I’m in.
That book? It will be written. In the RIGHT season.
I’m learning four ways to make the most of my season, recognize that the “fruit” I’m bearing is exactly the kind God wants me to bear and that God designed life to run in beautiful seasons and cycles.
1. Stop Comparing
The grass really isn’t greener, even if it looks like it is. So yeah, maybe you don’t have a crazy awesome book deal or your online shop hasn’t taken off like you thought it might. Maybe your toddlers are in a rough stage and you don’t even have the time to go to the bathroom by yourself.
It’s okay. It really is.
We are each of us designed to be right in the place we are in. Right now. I’m here to tell you that you were built for such a time as this and no other.
Maybe your kiddos are all hard, all the time, but I promise that no family has it as easy as they may seem to have it. Maybe your shop is still gaining ground, or you are still typing hard on that manuscript. Its okay. I promise it is.
Comparison will steal your passion, chase away your joy and kill your soul.
2. Be thankful for the “fruit” you have harvested.
So maybe you haven’t gotten as far as you wanted to by 25, 35 or 55. I know I haven’t. I dared to dream that I was going to be a real, honest-to-God author by now. But I’m not. However today I have pumpkins and spice, candles and rain-boots, grey skies and warm kitchens. I have beauty gathered in arms full of harvest, it is smiles and hands-held and feet that have traded bare toes for socks because summer is over now.
The fruit in this season is good fruit. It may not be all that I’d dreamed but it is very, very good. I think we are all familiar with how gratitude can change a heart and a soul.
3. Plant the seeds for the next harvest.
If you are worried about the things you must do, or the “fruit” that you want to see the next time around, there are things you can do to begin to work at it. A book does not write itself. A business does not start itself. Jot down the good ideas you have, find a mentor to help you in your project or ask some good friends for specific advice.
A few months ago I wrote a lengthy email to some trusted people in my life asking them for specific advice. It went something like this: If you could run my life (so to speak) what would you have me do about this ____. The answers that came back were varied, insightful and generally amazing. It helped plant some seeds in me for this next season.
And the time you have? Do something purposeful with it.
4. Be okay that sometimes the season is REST.
Repeat this mantra: It’s okay to rest.
When we can begin to understand that there ARE in fact seasons of life and now may or may not be your time to accomplish that dream that you thought you’d have done by now then you can take a deep breath. Our anxieties about it all begin to uncoil and we can be okay with the fact that our life is running the course God has chosen and not the one we have chosen.
There even is fruit in seasons of rest: inspiration, rejuvenation, health. Remember that sometimes “producing” means taking a nap or closing our eyes. It even might mean setting the project down for a few weeks or months to get a different perspective on it.
So here I stand. Coffee in hand with a blank paper. Pray for me and I’ll pray for you: that you realize your season and you rest in the place God has for you.
How do you make the most of your season? What have you learned in this season?
Leave a Comment
Modupe says
Just perfect for my season right now. Reading this on the bus on the way to.work and nodding and ‘uh huh’- ing all the way. God bless you Sarah
Sarah Markley says
thank you! so glad to be a blessing =)
Sonika says
“There even is fruit in seasons of rest: inspiration, rejuvenation, health. Remember that sometimes “producing” means taking a nap or closing our eyes” – oh, friend…thank you for this. It is freedom indeed, especially for a workaholic college student like me. Thank you.
I think I’m beginning to lean (comfortably) into the idea that this season is one of rest for me. I’m studying abroad at the moment (I’ve been here in Ireland for six weeks and will be here until December), and thanks to the leniency of the European school system, have way more time on my hands than I’ve ever had. This is giving me ample opportunity to be still and silent and patient.
And that’s scary as all-get-out.
I came into this time really rough around the edges, and needing healing in a few gaping-large places…so God has been wise in giving me the space here to press into those places. And it’s never easy, but when I try to frame it that way – in terms of God providing what I need, when I need it – it’s reason for gratitude.
Gratitude (when I can manage it) is powerful for me, too. It has an “anchoring” effect on me; when I *don’t* make a conscious effort to embrace it, in fact, I’m liable to spin off in a thousand chaotic directions.
Praying for you, friend…for rest and clarity.
Sarah Markley says
that is beautiful Sonika! hoping your time in ireland is productive and that you find the rest that you need in your new place. thank you for your thoughtful and eloquent comment!
Heather says
A season of rest! Yes! Thank you for this. I have been fighting a season of rest for a while now, always trying to trudge on and make things happen. Unfortunately, what actually happens is that I get frustrated, I can’t complete what I set out to complete, and my family suffers for it. I think it is time for me to step back a bit and really see that it is ok to rest.
Sarah Markley says
yes it is! thank you Heather!
Mary G says
Yes, God intends that we do “great and mighty things” …. and I believe He means that everything we do because of Him and in His name IS great and mighty. Like loving your hubs, raising your kids and teaching them God’s ways, helping your neighbor carry her groceries into the house or . Some will write books or run for political office or other big things – cetainly, great and mighty things – but definitely not greater or mightier than ordinary things done “as unto the Lord”!
God has a plan and a purpose for each of us. And, seasons in which they are to flower. Contentment is living life in Christ with all our heart today. ♡
Sarah Markley says
i love what you said about contentment. so true!!
Anna says
I love this. I was just talking to a friend about seasons the other day. I am in a season of babies right now, but I hear that one day I will be in a season where I won’t be tired all the time. Looking forward to that.
Hold on to that writing dream!
Sarah Markley says
yes!! thank you anna. your words mean so much. =)
Robyn @ a bird in the Father's hand says
I can relate! Thank you so much for posting this, Sarah. I don’t know about you, but I can get intimidated when I’m around others who seem to have “arrived” in their writing careers, and comparison is often a slide I’m half-way down before I even notice I’ve started. I’ll be praying this from now on, for God to make me fruitful, but only in my season. Surrender takes so much more strength than control…
Sarah Markley says
so true! surrender is so much harder than control – praying for both of us as we surrender. =)
Rosanne says
I can’t tell you how much I needed to read this today. I was driving my kids home from school and beating myself up for not doing more, being more. The days feel like I’m grasping sand – sliding through my fingers without much to show for it besides the grit left behind. So, I was praying on the way home and this is the first thing I read this morning. Thank you!
Sarah Markley says
mmm. sometimes that grit is a good reminder of how hard we are actually working. hoping you can find rest in your season today, rosanne! thank you so much for commenting. =)
Jennie says
Thank you so much for writing this post. I struggle continually with comparing myself to others. I am convinced that comparing is one of the devil’s biggest stronghold’s with women. I am trying to be diligent in trusting and resting in God’s word and his plan. This post was a refreshing reminder to rest in His mercy and grace. Thank you.
Sarah Markley says
i’m so glad Jennie!
Erin Lichnovsky says
Making the most of this season for me, is trusting in the sovereignty of God and realizing that He makes all things beautiful in His timing.
Sarah Markley says
yes! very true!! thank you Erin!
Heather Novak says
Sarah, what a beautiful encouraging post! I’m STILL recovering from a broken foot and no one keeps my house like I do. Plus the kids are running wild. Thanks for your thoughtful words.
Sarah Markley says
oh no! hoping you heal quickly and the kids stay alive 😉
Lizzy says
yes, yes,YES! I’m in a season at the moment where God is stirring dreams. I’m sorting through them and figuring what to go ahead with and what to recognise is not the right season for just yet. It’s not always easy, there are some dreams I want to happen right now. I have to trust that when the time is right He will provide the means to make it happen. Thank you for sharing this. It reinforces what God has been teaching me.
Sarah Markley says
ooh, i love that idea that dreams are stirring. so glad you commented this morning!! =)
Melinda says
It’s refreshing to remember that in whatever season we are in that seasons change. However I love your words because we can stop and embrace the now. This season hasn’t taken God by surprise. This season is only beautiful in it’s time. By not fighting against it we embrace it’s beauty. That makes me 🙂 even through a season of healing…of mourning.
Sarah Markley says
no! i love it. God is never taken by surprise, is he?? =)
Louise says
Such a great reminder to enjoy this moment of my life- I’m currently on a work contract till March, with a rent contract till July, which could cause me to worry. However I’m determined to just enjoy God’s gifts to me during this time- a great boss, fab friends and an appartment in Paris. What would be the point of wasting the joy i could find from that?!
Sarah Markley says
i say, take full advantage of your season, louise! how fun! =)
Brandee says
I love, love, love this post today! In a season where so many things have changed for my family it was just what I needed to read this morning. Thank you Sarah for such great words of encouragement!
Sarah Markley says
yeah, i hear you about change. hopefully there has been some good with the not so good. thank you so much for your comment Brandee!
Andrea says
your words have reached out to me this morning… i feel like i could have written them! It is true that I am not always content in my current “season” and compairing is my vice… but honestly, for once in my life, i am not looking for the next adventure or project. Could it be that this is supposed to be a season of rest for me too? a season where i can focus on smaller, closer things and not on faraway mountains to climb or carreer success? I want to embrace this season and hopefully rediscover God and his best for me….
Sarah Markley says
i love love love the way you worded that andrea!!
Heidi says
“It even might mean setting the project down for a few weeks or months to get a different perspective on it.” — THANK YOU for saying IT’S OKAY. I’m an artist, been painting for 15 years and thought by now I’d be a ‘successful’ artist. I’m tired of striving and getting ‘no where’. Tired of trying to market myself (huge introvert), blogging (I’m not a gifted writer), and making myself paint when there’s been nothing but a long dry-spell in my soul. Wondering if this is really the vocation God has for me or is it just my silly dream? How can I serve Him and others with paintings??? Still many many questions. Taking a break for a few months to see what happens in my heart, and am feeling a beginning to the melting of the frost. I’m so glad I read this post today. Thank you Sarah! You are exactly where you are supposed to be and we are all grateful you write about it! Thank you for sharing your heart.
Sarah Markley says
i love it, heidi! i think taking a break once in awhile is a very wise thing to do. blessings to you as you serve Him with your painting =)
Glenda Mills says
Sarah,
What a delightful blog filled with encouragement for embracing the present season of our lives. Still learning to do that in my late 60’s. Still getting up each morning, spending time with the Lord and asking Him what his plans are for this day, this time, this season in my life. Thanks so much for sharing…
Sarah Markley says
thank you Glenda! =)
Diana Denis says
Oh Sarah, you are always so wise! I appreciate the reminder that sometimes the season calls for rest. I’m going to sit with that for a while. I have to say, it feels really good. Can’t wait to meet you at Allume. 🙂
Sarah Markley says
yay! please find me, okay?!
ro elliott says
Sarah, a wonderful post…The Lord has spoken to me so much through gardening…planting…harvesting. One thing I have had to embrace…planting new seeds in my life takes time to bear fruit. In this microwave society…I want planting a harvesting to instantaneous. Learning to trust in His love as He sends the sun, the rain and fertilizer to help my seeds grow. blessings as you plant in His Love~
Sarah Markley says
oh yes! i love that metaphor. the growing has to happen. thank you ro!=)
Stephanie says
I really needed this… thank you so much.
Sarah Markley says
so glad stephanie. =)
Amy Jane (UntanglingTales) says
Mmm. I like the idea of a season of rest.
With the kids starting school this year, I have “more” time, but if I step back it’s really just that I’m not overloaded anymore, and I have to reorient myself and my expectations, because I find myself (instinctively?) expecting to re-cram that time, and I want to recalibrate instead.
To be at peace with resting and healing.
Sarah Markley says
ooh, i love that about recalibration. very good, amy jane! thank you so much for commenting! =)
Holly says
As one who has been thru MANY seasons ( much better measure of age than the number)….I hope I can encourage you to ENJOY and SAVOR whatever season you are in…if we are always looking to what comes next we miss what God has for us….be present, keep record of Gods hand,the hard stuff,the little details,when you choose to obey and what happens when you let rebellion lead the way.Whatever season you find yourself in is Gods assignment for you. We have the opportunity to reflect His glory every moment and if we abide in Him….He will transform us!
Sarah Markley says
i love that Holly! What a great attitude =)
Missi says
Oh, my. The fruit that is being watered and produced through you through this ‘writing’ could have greater impact than any large book that many of us may not be able to read at this point in life! An incredibly timely and specific word for this tired, perfectionistic Mom, wife, friend, daughter, sister. It is clear that God has been wooing me into a season of rest and for this instant-gratification, scared of being seen as lazy or not making the most of every opportunity means being busy false thinking, there is freedom!
Sarah Markley says
thank you so much missi. you have no idea how important these words are to me. thank you.
Robin Dance says
~ nodding ~
Yeah…this is the unspoken conversation we shoulda had the last time we were together; instead, I’m grateful for your encouragement now. Giving out of your void (or perceived void) is blessing to me and, I know, others.
Sarah Markley says
yes, we should have had this one. until next time, friend. love you.
Jaclyn says
Thank you so much for this post! What an all-consuming, genuine blessing from the Lord today! I’ve been in a waiting period for many years, but the perspective of seasons (instead of “unknown durations”) is very refreshing. As I type that I laugh because people all around me use the term “season” constantly, but I realize maybe I tuned it out because I forgot to look for the fruit of each. Anyway, thank you so much. Be encouraged that although this post is not a book, it is a powerful word from God, and it matters!
Sarah Markley says
yeah i know – “season” can be overused this time of the year.
and thank you so much for your kind words, jaclyn!! thank you for encouraging ME! =)
deedee says
How good it was to see in print such a great reminder that it is HIS timing for the plans HE has for us. Today I was to read this and realize that I am just where HE wants me to be at this particular moment in my life in serving HIM. Pressures come from all around us, even from Christian friends, to constantly move forward at a pace or in a plan that is not God directed in His timing. Thank you for acknowledging you are where He wants you to be at this moment – a place that at present is reaching many who are reading your postings. Blessings
Sarah Markley says
thank you deedee. i needed to hear that. =)
Beth says
Thank you for this. I find myself in the comparison trap far too often. Our only child was born a bit later to us, and most of our friends have bigger kids, while I stay at home with a 2-year-old. Seasons come and go, and while I sometimes struggle with this season, I know it will come and go all too quickly – and all those things that I want to do will still be there when Henry goes to school. Thanks for reminding me that I am not alone!
Sarah Markley says
you are NOT alone. 2 year olds are busy and hard but oh, so kissable. blessings to you as you live it up in your season right now! =)
Shelly C says
Thank you… this was so timely! With homeschooling a middle schooler, a 5th grader and making time for a demanding toddler (I’m typing this one handed) I’ve been feeling like nothing is getting done and the changes I want to make for our health and future well being are taking much too long to implement … I need to re-evaluate my timing vs Gods timing!
Sarah Markley says
i know all about typing one handed =) thank you for your comment shelly! =)
Dawn Camp says
Sarah, this weekend I looked at a bookcase in our bedroom and started to count the number of authors whose books sat on those shelves whom I’ve met. Not the number of books (because there are multiples by the same author), but how many individual authors. The total was 22 from that one bookcase. I walked into another room and sat down at my desk and saw another book there and mentally added another one, 23. I mentioned this to my husband and he said, “Where’s yours?” or something like that. I appreciate his encouragement and belief in me, but I’m like you: there’s a season and it’s not right now. I would have to give up teaching outside classes (or maybe even teaching my own kids) and I’m not ready to do that right now.
Love you, sister.
Sarah Markley says
love you too sister. and i know you get me. your friendship has meant so much to me, girl =)
Stacey says
This breathes freedom girl. And we all need some of that!
Thank you.
Sarah Markley says
mmm. thank you Stacey! =)
Andrea Clunes Velásquez says
Your words make so much sense to me! I’ve been having a hard time accepting the same thing you say: that I’m not really where I thought I would at this point in my life, but that doesn’t necessarily mean I’ve failed or that I’ve done something terribly wrong. Your words inspired me and gave me a lot to think about.
Thank you!
Sarah Markley says
i’m so glad andrea. and no, it doesn’t mean we’ve failed. =) not at all.
grace at {Gabbing with Grace} says
Sarah, very very well said. I’ve had to REALLY work through this in the last year or so as I’ve struggled with the fact that I’m not where I thought I’d be blogging by now (or done with the book I thought I’d be finished with as well). But, I spent the last 12 years working in full-time ministry and I couldn’t focus on the blog or the book the way I wanted to. As I’ve had to pray through this I’ve to really work through the fact that my time in full-time ministry was very fruitful and I have no doubt of the ways God used me powerfully during that time. I also happen to have loved that time and wouldn’t trade it for the world! Yet, I’ll catch myself beating myself up for not working harder on my bloggy/book dreams! AND I have a 2 & 6 yr. old so I’ve been doing that too…there’s just no good reason for me to feel badly about the seasons I’ve been in, and just like you said it’s been comparison & jealousy that have allowed Satan to lie to me. Anyway, such good truths and affirmation here. And one day, we will have our books written AND published…I just know it. =)
Sarah Markley says
yes we will Grace!! =)
Dionna says
Great article, Sarah. God has been whispering to my heart about being content and patient in my season as well. I don’t currently have a dream to write a book – but I do have other dreams that are yet unfulfilled.
I know His timing is always perfect. And more importantly, HIS plan is better than my own. If I can relinquish my own pride and ambition and trust in Him – I can serve Him better with a more contented and fulfilled heart.
Sarah Markley says
thank you Dionna! I agree! =)
Tonya Salomons says
“Comparison will steal your passion, chase away your joy and kill your soul…” Sarah, I cannot even begin to tell you how much this post spoke to me. I am sitting right now in a windowless office full of paper and the mess and tears of peoples lives. And I am struggling with being productive because I want to be somwhere else… instead of where God has placed me.
I have a yearning to write and to write well and to spend all of my free time writing my blog (a book??? I can hope). I am frustrated that I only have time to post once/week and then this… “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither — whatever they do prospers.” So thank you… just thank you for reminding me that I am in His season – so I continue with the gifts that He has so generously bestowed upon me and not fret about more…because really? How could my “more” even begin to measure up to God’s.
Sarah Markley says
what a beautiful picture of a season of life. thank you SO much for giving us a little window into you. i love your words, tonya. thank you.
Karin says
Oh this is just exactly what I needed to hear today, Sarah. Exactly. Thank you so much. I seem to be in a few seasons all at once… is that possible? Babies to pre-teens with a book gushing in my head (and only sprinkling onto paper). Your thoughts are just the encouragement I needed today. Bless you for your words that have blessed so many here today!
Sarah Markley says
yes, i totally think we can be in lots of seasons at once. hoping you find rest in yours! =)
Abbie says
I don’t have to struggle with the season I am.
I don’t have to struggle with the season I am. Neither do you. Or you. Or you!
🙂 God is good, God is big, God loves us.
Thanks, Sarah.
Sarah Markley says
thank you Abbie!
sara b says
I am grateful for your honesty. I can relate to a lot of your posts. In this post I can relate to being uncomfortable around others who you feel are successful in ways you would like, because I often find myself feeling the same way. I wonder why I can’t seem to find my spiritual gift and use it or why my kids have struggles with their health. During difficult times in my life, it is so easy to compare and feel self-pity. I have been through many trials with my kids and their health and recently had one of my kids diagnosed with epilepsy. I feel grateful to have read your blog today. My mom shared it. It reminded me that this is a season in my life. God allows seasons for many different reasons, but I need to trust in Him and His perfect plan. I want to praise Him for this season. I know God is using your words to speak into my heart today. I pray God can use it to turn me closer to Him. I will pray for you, for your heart and that God will above all else rise in this season of your life.
Sarah Markley says
i’m so sorry for your current struggles, sara.
I will be praying that this season is one of rest and trust for you! thank you so much for your kind and sweet comment =)
Lauren Cunningham says
Sarah,
There is such wonderful, rich wisdom in this post! I loved reading every word and feeling it settle in my soul. Your four lessons are rich! Thank you.
Sarah Markley says
thank you so much lauren!
Christina Berry says
What a great list of reminders, Sarah! My current quest is to choose joy, even in a season of heartbreak. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Sarah Markley says
i’m so sorry for your heartbreak, christina. i love the idea that joy is something we choose. thank you for your comment!
Kylie says
Thank you for the encouragement! I understand that I am in a season of small children (3 children under 4 and another one coming), but I struggle with helping our minister understand this season as they had no children and are currently old enough to be my grandparents. I find myself wishing that my seasons would change so that the pressure to be more involved at church would stop, but wanting to enjoy the seasons because they are only going to happen once in my life. I need all the encouragement that I can get because it then might start to drown out the discouragement which often speaks so loud. Thank you again!
Sarah Markley says
i say: take a break from the things that pull you away from your family. don’t let church be a “pressure”. it should be something that is joy-filled and hopeful. not full of dread and to-do lists. but that’s just me. =)
hoping you find rest and joy in this busy season, kylie! =)
Jen says
Couldn’t have written it any better. I find myself using the word, “season” a lot and working on re-learning the rhythm of life that has nothing to do with post-it notes, iMessage or checklists. Thank you for letting me (and many others) see that we are not the only ones struggling with these feelings. XO
Sarah Markley says
yes!! and no, we are never alone!
Cathie @ www.walkinginhisplan.blogspot.com says
Timely. Very timely. Timely in the way only the Holy Spirit can do. Cut to the heart, timely.
Grateful…
Sarah Markley says
i’m glad that it was! so glad you are here, cathie! =)
Anonymous says
Thank you for reminding me to GIVE THANKS, see the BLESSINGS in MY life, and that it’s okay to BE STILL. I tend to always be looking ahead and missing the moment. The seasons. And the reasons that this thing called life is a great and wonderful gift!
Sarah Markley says
yes!
Sara says
I can relate so much to this post I am certainly not where I though I would be. But what has left me a little sad after reading this was when you wrote
“A few months ago I wrote a lengthy email to some trusted people in my life asking them for specific advice. It went something like this: If you could run my life (so to speak) what would you have me do about this ____. The answers that came back were varied, insightful and generally amazing. It helped plant some seeds in me for this next season.”
This hurt my heart because I don’t have those trusted people in my life. When I was little I prayed for a best friend and yes I know have a wonderful husband but a trusted girlfriend I haven’t.
Sarah Markley says
i’m so sorry, Sara. I didn’t mean to make you sad at all. I will be praying for you and hoping with you today as God brings you good people to trust and to love you.
Sandra says
To lovely Sara…..Please do not be sad. God has sent to you a “wonderful husband”, and that is such a blessing to have (Mine passed away 4 years ago). God sends us people when He sees we need them the most. He sent to you your husband. May God keep on blessing you, Sara.
Beth Williams says
I have had a busy busy fall season of life, between work and taking care of aging dad, with many health issues. Sometimes I wonder what kind of harvest I’m leaving behind. Am I doing enough for the Kingdom?
Yesterday my dad told me I was his “right arm” and the “best and prettiest” thing he’d seen all day. He expressed thanks for All I’ve done to take care of him–even putting him on prayer list at church–the people have sent cards to him. He really appreciates it all! I believe this is my calling right now–prayer & looking after dad.
I did my best helpign with mom’s lingering illness–now it’s turn 2 to help him.
I can’t wait for the day/time of Rest and relaxation! I know God will give it to me in due time!
Great great post!
Sarah Markley says
yes, i believe he will, Beth. you are doing such good by caring for your father (this is worship, i believe)
Heidi @ Decor & More says
I so needed to read this, Sarah. I feel like my own expectations are my worst enemy to enjoying each season in my life. Thank you for blessing me today!
Heidi 🙂
Sarah Markley says
mine too. i hear you, sister. =)
Amy Hunt says
This is worship, friend. Unequivocally. And remarkably.
Sarah Markley says
thank you amy!
Behind The Smile says
Thank you for your message. My season of illness and thus enforced rest has seemed to last most of my life. Today I am in bed ,once again enforced rest, but I understand the rest in accepting this is the season for today for the moment and I do not fret about it as much as I used to. I have fretted a lot lately feeling things have passed me by that I thought I would have accomplished by now. It is hard to accept. However your message of my season for these things being not now helps a lot because God knows and if God wants me to accomplish certain things and have certain things in my life they will come. The season has just not come when I thought it would. One thing I have found in this season of my life which surprised me was the starting of my blog and this has been such a hope and help to me through other peoples blogs and comments, connections made. Thank you and blessings.
Annelise Pierce says
Real words of wisdom, and wonderful confirmation . . . I am embracing seasons too . . .
Katie B says
I so needed to hear this…
I have been struggling with where I am at right now. Oddly enough, it is exactly where I have always wanted to be, absolutely an answer to prayer. I am married to the man of my dreams, moved to a beautiful state that it’s sunny all the time, and I work part-time. However, going from being a career woman to now only working part-time and now taking care of the home is a huge change. And instead of being in awe of the answer to praying and full of gratitude I am left feeling funny and feel the need to explain every job I have ever done when people ask what I do. I need to claim this new season because it is a blessing! I don’t want to miss out on this blessing – I need to think less and thank more. AMEN! Thanks girl. 😉
Karisa says
I cannot wait to read your book one day! Your thoughts put into words have blessed my life. My husband and I are going through this time together of seasons and patience. God has put a seed of purpose inside of us and we see the tiny roots forming. We are excited but careful to protect our dream from trying to come about too soon. Your blog today was further whispers from the Spirit to prepare and nurture.
Sara says
thank you Sarah for the encouraging post! 🙂
I agree with this “God wants us to do great and mighty things for Him and He’s called us to listen and obey Him in this. “
Melanie says
This is beautiful Sarah. Just what I needed to read this morning! Thank you.
Sandra says
Thia article was just really what I needed to read today. I think sometimes I wonder where I might have made “a wrong turn” to get to where I am on any particular day/time of my life. And, then I read this article you have written that reminds me that it is good because this is where I am supposed to be ….. because this is where God has placed me for now. Thank you for reminding me of that.
Meredith says
Oh my! This was exactly what I needed to read this morning! I am struggling a lot with my season–very tired with the very young kiddos–but this is so helpful in remembering that it is a season. God created me “for such a time as this” and there are many fruits of this season I can enjoy…thank you for this reinforcement!
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[…] Four Ways to Make the Most of your Season by Sarah Markley (@sarahmarkley) on (in)Courage […]
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[…] Four ways to make the most of your season. […]
Elangwe Christina says
This is wonderful encouragement for me. I can say I am going through a season indeed. I have struggled for ten years with my charity organisation. There were times I used to feel that I have gone nowhere after all the effort and the time. It was as if everytihng had just been wasted.I had it all figured out how things would look like after ten years. But everything seems to be the opposite of what I had pictured in mind.
And then I spent six years investing millions in something thinkink it would produce a lot of friut only to realise I had investeed in the wrong thing and all the millions lost. I didn’t know whether to fall sick or do what and I just fell on your article. It is a season of my life indeed. Thank you so much for yàour article. It will help me to recover faster
Lana says
Oh my…I just read your Oct 15 Four Ways to Make the Most of Your Season.
The tears just streamed down my face. You described me and it hit my heart, and
it was the hope and encouragement that I needed! I have always known somehow that I would writ and I’ve also had a prophetic word given to me about it several years ago. I have held onto those prophetic words, but still haven’t written yet. I have three boys I’m raising, a part-time job and my husband and I have a business. During my desperate times of crying out to the Lord asking when will I be able to write I could hear Him whisper “not yet” or “wait”. Of course, many times I have thought that I missed what He wanted me to do because I wasn’t obedient about taking time to write. He will remind me that He has been using this time to teach me and prepare me. Yet in the daily grind, my heart longs to accomplish that which has been in my heart so long. It is so very sweetly comforting to read what you wrote and have such a confirmation for myself of my “waiting time”. It has really touched my heart. Thank you. God bless you and give you His peace.