Life chugs along. We're in a routine. Maybe we're even a tad bored. Then something happens and kicks the routine over.
A new experience waltzes in. It might be a new job, a baby on the way, the love of our life knocking on our door, or a family member moving out. Emotions flood us--excitement, anticipation, and trepidation. Will we be able to handle this new start? Will this event nourish our hopes of the future or end in failure?
Life proceeds gradually into different phases, and each will bring a fresh set of fears, hopes, and things to learn.
We aren't supposed to know it all. We can't possibly prepare for every scenario. But we can keep a spirit of humility, of wanting to learn, of confidence that we'll be able to handle whatever comes our way.
Are you in the tail end of a tedious phase? At the beginning of an exhilarating journey? Somewhere in between?
Join me on Wednesday for the final post of April's Beginnings topic.
I have a weird take on this. I feel like my hands are outstretched and one is waving good-bye to one stage, while the other is embracing a new one.
ReplyDeleteRight now I'm waving bye to loss and gripping exhileration.
~ Wendy
I'm in the middle but at a good part of the middle.I'm learning a lot about life right now and how to handle those changes and how to handle them better than I was:) Why am I such a slow learner? Not sure but always happy when God knocks on my heart and tells me to get it.
ReplyDeleteHi Jill!
ReplyDeleteI'm in the middle--in the middle of my WIP, in the middle of this newness of a writing career, in the middle of my children's busiest years, in the middle years of my marriage. It's a good place to be. I'm not so new and inexperienced any more, but I'm also not a seasoned expert. I'm trying to enjoy being right where I'm at.
I'm lost somewhere in between, but something HAS to change soon, and when it does I'll be ready. ;)
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
How timely. I was journalling about the routine of my life, how I feel I am just going through the motions, and not in love with life presently, right before I opened your page. I'd like a shake-up, the feeling of when a new love comes knocking at your door. That's where I'm at. I'm not sure if that is the tedious end or in the middle.
ReplyDeleteI'm at the beginning of a new journey! I'm learning that with this new journey my schedule and life is more hectic. I think I may have to say goodbye to some of the old to make room for the new. That part is scary.
ReplyDeleteI'm struggling to get to the top of a mountain, right now. I know it will be worth it in the end, but some days it's all I can do to hold onto the rock face.
ReplyDeleteThe Young One will be graduating high school in a month. Graduation, the end. Commencement, the beginning as she prepares for college in the Fall. The end and the beginning, different sides of the same coin.
ReplyDeleteFrom the events in our lives lately, I think my family as a whole is on the brink of a new thing. Of course, that's just the sense I get, but it will be refreshing after years of trudging along in a holding pattern.
ReplyDeleteWe're on the brink of new, but that always means saying goodbye to the old.
ReplyDeleteBittersweet.
I'm in a "Oh crap, it's almost May and I have gazillion things to do all of a sudden" phase. but I'm happy to be here because that means summer break is just around the corner!!
ReplyDeleteJill, this is the second post I've read this morning that really makes me reflect over some recent decisions me and my family have made.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely at the embarking-on-a-new-journey phase. Except it's more than one journey in more than one area of my life. It's exciting and exhilarating and I am having to trust God so much! It's a good thing he's so faithful :)
I'm in the middle (hoping I'm near the end ;) But I'm learning that if I look at things right, there is a lot of good in the middle. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Jill -
ReplyDeleteAs I posted this morning, the sun is beginning to rise in my life. I'm not sure what the day will hold, but I know the One who's holding me. :)
Blessings,
Susan
Well, I feel like I am wrapping up some things and ready to embark on some new ones. At least, this is what I am hoping:)
ReplyDeleteI'm a new Empty Nester and a novelist in the middle of her journey.
ReplyDeleteWendy: Love your attitude. What a refreshing way of looking at life.
ReplyDeleteTerri: You're always so positive, even when life isn't going the way you planned. I hope this middle keeps getting better and better.
Jody: Yes. I picture what you're going through. I can relate--middle years with kids, middle years of marriage. Not bad at all.
Karen: Sounds like you're more than ready for a new beginning! Best wishes for a wonderful one.
Lynn: Some days, months, years are like that. We just survive them until better ones come!
Julie J: I've had to do that too. It's really hard giving up things we like, but sometimes it's necessary.
Danyelle: I know--my claws grip the rock too!
CJ: **sigh** Exciting changes ahead for you, but hard too. It's hard to watch our babies grow up! I'll be thinking of you.
Georgiana: I think you're right. You're going to handle the changes fine because you're ready.
Erica: So true. I thought of this the other day--when we're young we only look ahead, but now? I can't help but look both ways.
Katie: I'm sending extra patience your way to survive the end of another school year!
Cindy: You sound excited! I know it's scary making big decisions, but your whole family sounds on board, so it will be wonderful.
Emily: Oh yes! The middle can be fabulous!
Susan JR: How wonderful! I'm excited for you!
Kara: Wrapping up stuff can be tough. Good luck with that!
Keli: And you're handling both fantastically!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
I'm at the end of a re-write and feeling pretty good about that. I know I have a long way to go though, so that puts me somewhere in the middle perhaps?
ReplyDeleteI'm at the end of a long story and at the end of the school year. The end is the hardest!
ReplyDeleteI am right about where Wendy Paine Miller is; couldn't have said it better.
ReplyDeleteThought-provoking post...I'm rounding the last bend before our daughter goes away for college in the fall, but I'm seeing opportunities develop in the world of writing. A bitter-sweet place of sorts. Glad for the hope and joy I have in Christ!! God bless you, Jill!
ReplyDeleteJill, I think I'm in the middle but w/in that middle there are all these new beginnings that rock my world daily. Life is rich with both pain and joy and all the spots in between. But your post has reminded me to be open to what is in front of me and where it may lead. Very refreshing! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely beginning a new phase but need a jump start.
ReplyDeleteTabitha: Congratulations on being near the finish line!
ReplyDeleteIcyRoses: The end of school years are so rough. Start planning some fun rewards. You deserve them!
Karen L: I couldn't either!
Maria: Your daughter has a good head on her shoulders, so no worries there, but I can only imagine how hard it is to let her go. I'm NOT looking forward to it!
Paul: I know. I find myself enjoying the easily overlooked things, like spring blossoms, more now than ever before. I think it's partly due to the everyday struggles. Much easier to appreciate the little things now.
Patti: A new phase--yum! Have fun jump starting it!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
I'm in the middle. Waiting for my daughter to move out - Yeah! Or, I mean, "oh, no." Don't know what new thing will fill my time, but I do know know what will go in her room. Ha.
ReplyDeleteHi Jill, Change has just hit (in a good way) an area of my life. I have been praying/wishing for this to happen. Of course, now that it IS happening, it's happening FAST. I need to adjust, step up, take action to see it through to the next phase. And trust that the new phase will be better than the old. Wish me luck! Patrice
ReplyDeleteNancy: "Yeah!" Whoops! I know. I'm the same way!
ReplyDeletePatrice: It's exciting when good changes happen! But you've worked hard for a long time in preparation. Enjoy it!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
the middle of the year can feel like an extended mid-week slump, like its Wednesday for June, July and August
ReplyDelete