Like winter’s transition into spring, new will unfold. It’s coming. Are you ready for the new season?
The frigid temperatures and glistens of white, each individual snowflake crafted by the most authentic and clever Artist in the universe, will soon disappear, leaving little to no trace of their existence. They will, however, leave behind memories and stories o-plenty for sledders and snowball enthusiasts, children and grown ones alike.
Experience it.
Round up and cherish the memories.
Watch the old fade onto the horizon.
It’s time for a new season.
The appearance is different for each. Some happy, some sad. Some faced with courage while others are led with grief, timidity, or uncertainty. New seasons.
Ruth was a woman who traversed the path of a new season.
Did she face these?
Did the weight of loss attempt to hamper her transition?
Did the uncertainty of the times cause fear to rise?
Did the familiarity of the past pull back with its promise?
How did she walk through the transition of life, from one season to another?
Successfully.
And that’s how I want to go. I desire to transition successfully whether it’s military retirement, a new job, a change in schooling, a loss, a gain, or some other season of new. And you, my friend? Do you also want to walk successfully into the new?
We can learn from Ruth. She was a woman of new seasons.
Ruth was a woman who CLUNG.
…but Ruth clung to her.
Ruth 1:14 NIV
Ruth 1:14 NIV
She clung to Naomi. She embraced and held on to the one who was going to the land of promise.
I want to be a clinger too. I want to hold steadfastly through the transition to the One who knows the plans He has for me. I desire to enter that new season with the very One who breathed life into my lungs. I want to cling so closely that it’s evident through the storms and in the shine that I’ve been with the Son.
You too?
Ruth marched forward in FAITH.
So Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law,
arriving in Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning.
Ruth 1:22 NIV
She didn’t know what tomorrow would bring. It didn’t sway her walk of blind faith. She didn’t allow logical thought to get in her way or the familiarity of others to dissuade her. One step in front of the other, trusting and listening. One faithful step in front of the other, that’s where I want to be.
You too?
Ruth didn’t TURN back.
But Ruth relied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you.
Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.
Your people will be my people and your God my God.”
Ruth 1:16 NIV
Your people will be my people and your God my God.”
Ruth 1:16 NIV
She didn’t allow the promise of the past or words of another to reassemble her plans. She wasn’t a Lot’s wife whose floor plans of life were shred due to her pause in the past. No, without turn Ruth continued working out her faith with fear and trembling. She transitioned successfully into the new season, building where there was comfort, friendship, provision, intimacy, and a future.
And, likewise, the Lord has His Promised Land for you and me. I want to go where He goes. I want to stay where He stays. In this transition, this new season, I simply want God.
You too?
Look for practical steps for all concerning New Seasons and my walk through military retirement later this week. (Many have asked, so it seemed fitting to blog.) Until then, here’s a prayer for you and for all travelers venturing into the new season:
Father God,
You know the plans You have for me. They are to prosper me, not to harm me. They are to give me a future and a hope. I want to walk in the new season like Ruth, Lord. I simply want You. I choose to cling to You, Lord. In easy times or hard, I will not release my trust in You. I will walk in faith every step, and when I am weak, strengthen me. I will look to the race ahead vs. allowing the season of the past to draw me back. You have Your righteousness in store, not my demise. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.
Linking up with Kelly Balarie and Friends, Crystal at Intentionally Pursuing,
Jennifer Dukes Lee, and Holley Gerth.
Jennifer Dukes Lee, and Holley Gerth.
Yes! I want to cling also! And to walk forward into new seasons that He has planned for me! Beautiful post, thank you! Joining you from Purposeful Faith today
Yay Ellen! I’m so glad to see you here. Wouldn’t a tee shirt that says “Clinger” be fun?! I’m with you and want to cling all the way to Heaven. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
Thank you for sharing this Kristi! I pray that this new season we will all be filled with the same attitude, hope and godliness that Ruth displayed. Really value your insights! God bless 🙂
Hi and thanks for stopping by. Attitude…when it’s Ruth-like, it’s Jesus-like. And it’s goooood. I’m with you on that attitude/hope/godliness prayer. 🙂
This was a a true blessing and sweetness to my ears…Thank you for your obedience to God using u to touch and share life. Mahalo Ke Akua
Aloha shentel
Aloha Shentel! Mahalo for stopping by, my sweet friend. Isn’t Ruth a fine example? She’s like a Plumeria of the botanical world. The aroma is show-stopping and heavenly for certain. I thank God for her example and the very words written about her. Mahalo Ke Akua indeed.
“I want to cling so closely that it’s evident through the storms and in the shine that I’ve been with the Son.” – This is my prayer too that I always reflect His light.
Thanks for linking up, Kristi : )
🙂 Thanks for the opportunity, Crystal.
I love the story of Ruth. Such an amazing testament to God’s grace and power. You’ve inspired me to embrace winter with your post here, friend. It is not a season I am fond of, but I’m reminded that beautiful memories can be made even now. Thank you. Blessed to have you at #RaRaLinkup today, friend.
Abby, I totally get your “embracing winter”. As a gal who grew up in the north but moved south as an adult, the beautiful memories of winter remain. I hope your children have fond memories as well. Great post yesterday @ #RaRalinkup. It’s a joy to join you.
Change is hard, but I am thankful for the One who never changes no matter the path! Thanks for sharing this! Be Blessed!
Indeed, Carin. Praise God who never changes. Thanks for stopping by.
I love your example of Ruth. She was such a Holy woman. I think as I face difficult times or changes or challenges or whatever is thrown my way, I will ask What would a Holy woman do? and do it. 🙂
Sounds like a good plan, Lisa. Thanks for stopping in today.
Yes, Kristi. I want to cling as well. Thank you for inspiring my soul with this idea.
Praise God and thanks for stopping by, Kelly. 🙂
Kristi – just loved your relevant and applicable words on Ruth. She’s just a gem and wow did God take her clinging faith and perseverance and write an incredible story that made her the great-grandma of “the man” after God’s own heart. So much hope and promise for the stories He wants to write on our lives! Just stopping by from #tellhisstory
Love that you stopped by. Indeed…so much hope and promise in His writing. 🙂
The story of Ruth is an amazing one, especially for the time she lived in. I want her faith!
Indeed, Ruth is a spiritual heroine. Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Kristi! I’m so glad you’ve linked up with us at #TellHisStory. Your words shimmer with truth and grace.
Hi Jennifer! Thank you for the opportunity and joy of linking up. I’m encouraged often by the words that grace your blog. He has gifted those words of yours beautifully. To God be the glory.