Is today finding you tired and weary? Does it seem there’s a roadblock or closed door everywhere you look? If it’s painful to even read this and admit you’re feeling discouraged — I want to talk to you for a minute. I wonder, is the last season distracting you from moving forward? Could it be that in grieving the loss of what used to be normal, you’re worn out from spinning in the rut of “the in-between”? Inadvertently, are you missing an opportunity while looking over your shoulder?
Are you missing an opportunity while looking over your shoulder? #emptynest Click To Tweet
I listened as she was grieving her loss…
Although a grandma several times over, she is one of the spunkiest, most “up” people I know. She loves God with a passion and is passionate about serving Him and the people around her. She has been near the top of my “go-getter” list for many years, always ready for another project or adventure.
But our conversation this time revealed areas of discouragement. More than once she listed off activities she could no longer take charge of. Activities that took more energy or strength than she now had. Activities that required something she could no longer give.
I’ve been there, heartbroken over people and passions I had to leave behind. In a fog of transition I was blind to the good I still had in my life or any hope of my days getting better. But ever so gently, ever so persistently, the Holy Spirit pulled my gaze up to His and began to unfold the future. It didn’t happen overnight. It took months, even years in some cases. But He was determined I didn’t miss the any doors of opportunity while looking over my shoulder.
While my heart ached for my friend’s loss, I believe the Holy Spirit spoke an important word as I prayed for her. He whispered:
There’s too much thinking about what ‘I can’t’ do anymore and missing what ‘I can’ do now.
Wait. Take a second and re-read that. I’m stunned how the Holy Spirit goes right to the heart of a matter. He doesn’t pull punches and He doesn’t beat you up. Instead, He speaks truth while opening a door and inviting you through. He knows so much more passion and purpose is around the corner and He tenaciously beckons you forward.
There's too much thinking about what I can't do anymore and missing what I can do now. #emptynest Click To Tweet
Have you been grieving something you’ve lost?
- A missed opportunity.
- A broken relationship.
- The end of life as you knew it.
May I encourage you? There’s so much more up ahead than you can now see. Yes, some doors are now closed, but rows and rows of new doors await you in the coming days. Gently brush away the dust and tears and ask the Holy Spirit what you can do now. You have a choice to make: Will you stay in a rut of mourning what you can’t do anymore or rise up to see what God has been preparing you for?
I agree with heaven for courage and expectation to rise up within you. Your story isn’t over yet!
If you’d like more direction and encouragement for the coming days…
Join me for the video series, “Who Am I Now, God?” Discover how to process the past and move forward with hope and purpose.
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