Move forward in a new season with a positive attitude

“For everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT)

I desired to add some color to my home for the changing season. So I bought a silk leaf garland, blended of rustic fall colors of orange, red and brown.

I laid the unopened package on a table in the extra bedroom until I got the chance to hang it.

When my grandson came over for a visit, he noticed the garland and ran to me all excited about colorful leaves on the table. He was excited about a change.

I have learned seasons don't just change in nature seasons of change occur in our lives from time to time as well. It's important we recognize them and move into the newness with God's help, so we don't stifle our potential to fulfill his will and the joy of living.

Some seasons are easier to embrace than others. The loss of a loved one or something dear to us is, oftentimes, much harder than a desired change that brings us new and exciting opportunities. But God desires to enrich our lives, regardless of how a change comes our way.

Sometimes we feel the need to change but can't let go of our old ways. We like our comfort zones. We wonder if it really is God calling us forward. When we feel something is constricting us and holding back our growth, we need to pray and ask God if it is time for us to let go. Like a pair of our favorite jeans that no longer fit, we may still be trying to squeeze into a season of our life that no longer fits us.

I've had changing seasons that have stirred bittersweet emotions.

One moment I felt glad, then a precious memory stirred tears. Even good changes can cause grief. Sometimes our departure can unintentionally hurt others. Like leaving a group, or church, or a friend we've outgrown. Sometimes we are afraid to move ahead because it may hurt someone we have cared about. Other times, we just need to change a perspective.

We have to remember the devil will try to make us feel guilty about leaving and use our emotions or negative comments from others to foster guilty feelings. During those times, we don't need to stir hard feelings. We just have to hold on to the understanding God is leading us to something new.

Embracing changes with a positive attitude will lead us toward a full and meaningful life.

#376; Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted by e-mail at Annetteebudzban@aol.com