Reflections And Perspective Shifts

As I have aged, I have entered into a season of personal reflection. This is sometimes a slower-paced season of quieter times and perspective shifts. It is a season of “sometimes” instead of “all the time.” A season of appreciating the “sometimes,” whereas I didn’t always appreciate the “all the time.” It is a season of grief but also a season of hope. It is a new, uncomfortable, lonely, and quiet routine instead of the old crowded, loud, daily routine. The change brings deep personal reflection and more than a few perspective shifts.

Responsibility Shift

The heavy responsibilities that I once carried are no longer carried by me. One by one, they are lifted from my shoulders; the destination that I felt would “never” arrive has come. The so many times hearing the age-old question, “Are we there yet?” has received its answer. “Yes! We have made it THERE!” What is left to behold is in the hands of God. It is a new adventure with more time for myself. It is a season of rediscovering and redefining. The responsibility of caring for everyone else has slowly lifted, leaving a huge perspective shift in its place to reflect on.

Noise Level Shift

And oh, the noise that almost always filled the place! The “place” being wherever we all happen to be at the time. Most always, they were happy sounds, joyful, inquisitive, loving, with the occasional disagreement or hastily spoken insult. Teachable moments, memories made, love in action, and while my heart was full, my body was tired. It seemed a never-ending pile of laundry, dishes, trash to be taken out, groceries to be brought in and put away, studies of everything under the sun, meals to cook and clean up, and pets to train. I traveled in a herd, a caravan of people forever following, with head counting and constant supervising eyes. But now, there is just quietly myself and maybe my husband along for the ride. That is a huge sound difference to reflect on. The silence.

Freedom of Choice Shift

But in the midst of all the “missing” noise, responsibilities, and the children now grown adults that no longer need or want your input, there is a new season. A silent redefining, rediscovering, personal reflection that shifts inside like a pack mule that has finally found relief from its load. Once again, I’m finding great pleasure in the freedoms from a long-ago past of oneness. There is freedom in not having to consider everyone in the herd when going out to eat. I can choose what “I” like! I can eat out much cheaper now and choose something other than chicken nuggets and corn dogs. Oh, the vast freedom of being able to make a choice just based on “my” likes! Whoever knew this day would actually arrive? God knew!

Final Conclusion

God knows that Jesus is still the answer. God IS NOT finished with you yet! The cares and worries for whatever-aged child are still handled in a prayerful way. He is giving you a new position, a new season to discover and reflect on, with perspective shifts from the other side. New wisdom and hindsight that is 20/20 has been gained. There are new hobbies, self-improvements, and ministries to pursue. This moment of reflection and perspective shifts only last until you realize what your next mission field is. God is not done with you yet. A big life task has been accomplished, but there are other tasks to do. Take courage. Gather your faith and hope in what the Lord has for you now! You might be delightfully surprised by the discovery, sweet Sister!