Change & The Courage to Be Made New
This spring, my family of six flew across the United States to visit my husband’s twin brother and family in Minnesota. While we were there, my sister-in-law scheduled in time for the two of us to go on a women’s mini retreat at her parish one morning.
As I sat in a chapel of mostly strangers, I was away from the distractions of ordinary daily life long enough to listen to some things God had been stirring in my mind, heart, and body.
Two primary things came up—the first was an invitation to reassess what God desires of me right now, and the second, God’s reassurance.
To the first: we are all in moments of transition or change in some form. Spring is shifting to summer. The school year is ending. A job may be starting or coming to a close. Health is being restored or in a state of decline.
When I listened to God’s quiet voice that morning, I came away with words like rest, nourish, ground, and nest. An invitation to be okay with slow and quiet and simple.
Going into the trip to Minnesota, I had planned to start with the process of self-publishing my second children’s book. The manuscript is edited, the story has been reviewed by readers, my wonderful illustrator is ready to go! What’s to stop me?
Instead, God prompted creative works closer to home: growing a garden with my children, nourishing my depleted body, and forming a homeschool co-op for families looking for community.
Will there be time for another book? I think and hope so! And, also, it’s okay that it’s not right now.
If you can find time and space to quiet down, what words does God place in your heart and mind? How might those words change your plans so that you can cooperate more fully with God’s good plan for you?
To the second: Changing plans can be startling, because it invites us to change, to lay some things down.
As I pondered God’s presence and invitation that morning, God offered the reassurance: “Behold, I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5).
God does not ask us to surrender in trust or listen to his promptings without purpose. God is good and he keeps his promise to be with us. When we desire to cooperate with God, we say, “I believe you can make me new,” and that is good news.
God, you can make all things new. What do you want to make new in me this season?
The people I am in community with are on journeys of their own. How are you inviting me to relate differently to someone I am close to?
God, I have habits that don’t serve me, you, or those I love. What habit are you inviting me to change?
Book & Podcast Resources
The Holy Spirit is faithful to the work God starts, and always seems to provide people and resources to support what God desires to do in us. Here are a few resources that have helped me in current life transitions:
Jesus Every Day, Jesus Every Way: A Weekly Devotional by
I am absolutely enjoying the accessibility and daily inspiration of this book. With the shift to summer and a new puppy, my prayer also needed to shift. Lisa is a beautiful writer and has a heart for her readers.
The Little Way of Living with Less: Learning to Let Go with the Little Flower by Bennett
I enjoy and appreciate the way Laraine Bennett weaves together story, Scripture, the spirituality of St. Therese, and organizational tips to help readers grow in simplicity, both spiritually and practically.
The Abiding Together Podcast, Life Transitions with Chris Benzinger, Part 1
This episode offers thoughtful reflection and tools for moving through life transitions, both big and small. The three pillars for their discussion are: remember with gratitude, release with trust, and redeem with hope. It is worth a listen!
For the Children!
As families, we get to journey alongside each other and learn together. Here are two books to enjoy with your children as they also go through changes (spring to summer, school ending, getting older, etc.).
Saints Around the World by Meg Hunter-Kilmer
These Saint stories are beautifully illustrated and accessible to both children and adults. I love how the author frames each Saint story with a challenge the Saint experienced. It helps us rethink the things we go through in life as opportunities for God to work.
A Year at Maple Hill Farm by Alice and Martin Provensen
This book is just delightful. From the story telling to the illustrations to the large pages, my children and I love it. A wonderful read that takes you through every month and all the happenings on a farm.
God bless you and those dear to you, and until next time, may God be with you as you Rest & Rise!
Caitlan
Please leave a review on Amazon for my book, The Restless Grain: A Tale of Hope. A couple of minutes to do a review makes a big impact. Thank you for the generous gift of your time!
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