I woke up this morning, started my routine, and after I poured my first cup of coffee, and sat down to start writing. That’s when I realized, I had left my laptop in my car from the day before. I know that doesn’t sound like a big deal to you, but I don’t function well until after one cup of java has kicked in. I tend to wobble a bit and have been known to walk into walls and trip over objects. Not only was I not good and awake, but I stepped outside with just a thin shirt, jogging pants, and crocks on. I didn’t realize it was thirty-one degrees outside. After a few steps, I quickly concluded that I wasn’t dressed for the conditions. With high speed, I hurried down the steps of the deck, opened my car door, grabbed my laptop, and swiftly ran back inside. I got in my chair, turned on my electric blanket, and started sipping my nice hot cup of coffee.
After the trembling subsided from the shock of cold weather my body endured, I said to myself; WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? It is November, and you’re dressed like it’s still August. The seasons have changed, but I haven’t adjusted for it. Here I am in no coat or socks, and I can’t blame this on anyone but myself. If I’m going to survive and be productive, I’ll need to dress for the current conditions and season I’m in.
I couldn’t help but think that the same thing happens to us in the seasons of our life. Sometimes a new season comes, and we’re not dressed for it. The conditions have changed, but we haven’t adjusted. Throughout our life, we will experience many transitions and seasonal changes. We don’t always know what is going to happen in the next season, but we have to prepare for it the best we can. One thing is sure; you can’t wear in the new one what you’ve been wearing in the old.
I’ve had a lot of conversations with people in the last few months that are having a difficult time with the change of seasons. For some, it’s ministry or a job position, other’s it’s the transition from high-school to college. No matter what it is or even the age of the person, the struggle is caused by the same thing, a failure to dress for the new season. We like talking about what is coming, but too many times we haven’t adequately prepared.
A new season requires new disciplines. This means I have to get ready for the things I will start doing, but I also have to figure out the things I need to stop doing. A lack of discipline in this area will result in frustration. Without it, you can become overwhelmed and even have thoughts of quitting, when in reality you’re not being disciplined as you should. You’re still trying to dress for the season that has ended. If you don’t mentally make this change, then physically you will never adjust. You have to remind yourself several times a day of these things until you’re finally in the routine of what you need to do to perform well in the new season.
If you’re discouraged and have even thought about quitting, take a little time and check your passion. If you still have a love for what your final goal is, then make the necessary adjustments in this season so you can one day meet that goal. I can promise you this, nothing you do will be easy. No matter what path you take, you will have to endure difficult times and seasonal changes. So why not stay on the road where you’re the most passionate?
For now, maybe all you need is a nice warm coat to help you start the transition. Take it from me; you’ll be able to think a lot clearer when you’re appropriately dressed for the conditions you’re walking in.
