The shifting seasons

Life can bring sudden shifts as seasons change. Stephen Gibson's family is learning to let go, navigate the in-between, and embrace God’s grace in discovering a new rhythm together.

Seasons often shift gradually but sometimes it can be pretty sudden. One day, you are enjoying short sleeves and the last of the summer warmth. A few days later, you are zipping up the coat and considering a hat!

The change of season for our family has come very quickly this autumn. We knew some of it was on the way, but other parts have been a big surprise. Our eldest son graduated and started a job a few weeks later in London. His twin brother decided to go back to New Zealand to serve with YWAM.

Our youngest son secured a place to study in Manchester. In the space of a few weeks, we said goodbye to three of our four children and the house is a much quieter (and tidier) place.

To top it off, my wife Rachel has started studying a part-time degree at Regents Theological College. I’ve found myself reflecting on our changing season and how we are adjusting emotionally and practically.

THE LETTING GO

We spent the summer enjoying a number of ‘lasts’ ‒ the last holiday together, the last walk, the last meal and the last hug. With those occasions, we found ourselves doing a lot of reminiscing. “Do you remember when…?” We all respond differently in these final moments, but one thing we all have to do is to let go!

Alongside the emotion of releasing what has been, it is good to hand over the people or situation to God.

Paul spoke this blessing over the elders in Ephesus when he said goodbye: “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified,” (Acts 20:32).

If you are in the process of letting someone or something go, you have a God of grace who is able to make them into what he wants them to be.

THE IN-BETWEEN

I guess we are living in this moment now. There is a hopeful unknown as we wait for word from each of our boys about how their new lives are turning out. And alongside the big changes for them, we are processing what it means for us.

We have definitely felt the disorientation of old patterns gone. Rachel and I have talked about the strange mix of joy and loss. It feels like there is increased freedom but we can’t quite work out what the best new rhythm should be.

I have always loved the imagery in Psalm 23 of the Good Shepherd leading through the dark valley and bringing security. If you are somewhere in ‘the in-between,’ keep following him. Receive his comfort and he will bring you through!

THE NEW RHYTHM

We can see joy ahead in making the most of our new season. We have talked about people we would like to see over the coming months (back to cooking for six!), ministry we could pursue together and future occasions when the family could be together again. This new normal still feels a little unfamiliar but gradually these repeated new choices will become second nature.

Even now, as I write, I’m sensing the joy of realising that God has already woven grace into this new rhythm. I’m returning to Psalm 23, reminding myself, “surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.” You can be assured that God’s generous provision and love will pursue you into your new season.

Whether your shift in season is gradual or sudden, I pray you would experience God’s grace in the letting go, his presence in the in-between, and his joy in adjusting to your new rhythm.

This article first appeared in Direction Magazine. For further details, please click here.