Seasons, Chapters, And Bookmarks…

By: Jackie Warner

The losses that have brought great gain are sometime hard to take. I think back to a job I held in my career field some years ago; it was in my eyes the position I would keep until retirement. I remember thinking, “This is it and someday my name will be on the wall here.” News flash: it wasn’t my retirement job — not even close. It was a difficult season, what I thought was an awful chapter in my life. It was a chapter that took me places I had never been, during which I experienced pain I would not wish on anyone, and put me in tough situations that pressured me to make decisions without understanding.

Looking back now and reflecting on that chapter and season of my life, I wanted nothing more than to be free! There was no bookmark to pause it. I realized it was shaping and twisting and molding me in preparation for turning the page to the next chapter of my life’s journey.

Romans 8:28 – “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

To those of you reading this article, stop putting bookmarks in the way of your growth. I am reminded of the trees in my front yard. Right now is their time to purge and go through a transformation. It is that time in life to be okay with looking a little different, shedding and getting rid of all that should not remain.

So too must we continuously strip ourselves bare to see who we really are and what is truly needed. If we choose not to, life has a way of doing to for us. I think we all can agree.

Spring, summer, winter, fall, spring, summer, winter, fall…. Are you living the seasons of your life?

Spring is your awakening, your rebirth — you are clean, pure, and it is an opportunity to plant seeds of greatness. You are getting ready to breakthrough for the blossom, the shine, and the runway. Then comes summer — Yeah, the runway is calling your name. You are what’s it, at your peak and in full bloom. I digress, as some of us do not ever truly experience the seasons because we are too afraid to enjoy the journey!

As summer prepares to leave us, fall embarks on a busy time of preparation for the harvest first, then followed by the cleanse and purging, while winter brings hibernation and rest for what is up ahead.

“Every new season of your life will be an opportunity for you to learn and grow. Don’t celebrate the good without celebrating the bad because they both work together to prepare you for the next season of your life.” ― Theresa Lewis

By: Jackie Warner

Career Development Facilitator
“Impact, Engage, Grow” Community Matters