When we are in a ‘dormant season’ (hurt, painful, confusing, or the unknown…etc.), our tenacity and immovability expands when we trust that there is something positive in exchange, and also trust that the next season (a new and different one!) is on the horizon.
I love to envision a tree whose roots get stronger and grow deeper to expand its foundation and therefore, its ability to stand. (This is you and I when we trust our circumstance is but for a season!).
I can share story after story of how my circumstances ended up preparing me for my future and also caused immense growth. I look back and reminisce about the pain of losing many material things during the home fire that I experienced. It was devastating on so many levels! But now, I can now wholeheartedly say that I have an over-arching appreciation for material things that few can understand. I also am more sentimental and hold on dearly to experiences vs. purchased stuff. I treasure people and relationships with them so much more since my experience from loss of those I loved. My ability to feel compassion and empathy, as well as ability to forgive, have also been greatly impacted.
Today I’m asking you to consider thinking of this time of your life as your period of dormancy, where you are being prepared, repaired and refreshed for a new season.
This doesn’t happen when we are comfortable, and life is flowing with great ease! Instead, our greatest growth happens when we are ‘standing, even at times of controversy and challenge.’ You and I are being prepared for growth, even when we can’t see it or especially feel it. It is life’s cycle and perhaps even where the phrase, ‘growing pains’ may have evolved?!
There is a quip in The Journal of Thomas Morton that I often refer to when teaching, because it’s powerful to think on. It says, ‘Finally, I am coming to the conclusion that my highest ambition is to be what I already am.’ #ohWow!
I love knowledge and have a great propensity to learn, but I have to remind myself often, that it’s through my very own experiences, that I am always learning; more about myself, more about my strengths and more about all that I already am.
You were beautifully and wonderfully created. Life isn’t fair and no doubt, it rains on the just and unjust. What you’re going through matters, yet to blame, agonize and not forgive, just keeps the weight feeling heavy on your own life. Being open to adopt a new perspective about what we endure in life—will change your existing situation in a significant way.
Let's end our time together today with a few questions to reflect and digest.
(Back to a short pen and paper exercise):
1. How am I standing during my own controversy and challenge right now? I shared how I am good at isolating myself during these seasons, yet we've learned in study one, that willingness opens us up to receiving peace. Are you willing to stand differently than you have in the past? How?
2. Am I open to seeing the deeper layers of what feels like a dormant period in my life? The fire in my home caused unforeseen growth. Look back at dormant times in your life and write down what you learned about yourself.
3. Am I willing to renew my mind about life's hardships and trust that this season will pass and a new one will be offered? Will you allow yourself to be open to receive peace during the holidays, even when you feel uncomfortable?