The sacred rhythm of change.
“For those who seek The Lord, lack no good thing.”
Psalm 34:10 NIV
I’ve long been a lover of the seasons.
God taught me long ago to embrace change with joy in my heart. That it all holds purpose.
So I do.
Even when I don’t feel like it. Like in late August when I am over the heat of summer or late January when I am longing for the warmth of spring.
Each season is sacred, a rhythm emerges if you pay attention. One a deep place in all of us craves to follow. I am writing to you from Tennessee, where we have all four seasons and I want to use this as a metaphor for a moment in hope you will learn the need for change. Which I believe is hard-wired in each of us from creation.
Spring- brings an awakening. More light, more color, more warmth. But also storms. Which often clear the way for what needs to grow better.
Time to sow seeds.
Summer- tending, watering, pulling weeds. No less important, but it can feel stagnant, slow moving and even dry.
Fall (or autumn)- a break from the heat, shorter daylight, but harvest is here! Finally a time to gather and see and eat of the fruit of the work from the other seasons.
Winter- brings the deep need for a well deserved rest.
Longer nights pull you inside. But once you learn how to stop allowing the darkness to bully you it feels different. You realize in the darker seasons the light inside you can shine brighter if you let it.
I do realize other places experience different seasonal patterns.
But if you really pay attention you will see the design is not by accident. There is always purpose in what grows where and why.
Embrace it.
Not to sound cliche; but grow where you are planted, even if for a season.
I am not saying embracing seasons and change will fix every issue that needs healed. But it’s a start.
I will go as far as to say fixing our eyes on Jesus in every season will reveal to bring complete healing. Ask “what can I gain in this season, Lord?” Then listen for His voice.
Start keeping a journal.
Remember Our Father is not a part time healer.
He wants you completely whole; mind, body and soul.
It is always His perfect will.
Here at HOAP we hope to do two main things; connect and create.
We want to help the body of Christ connect.
Slow down.
Embrace life.
Gather intentionally.
Like we see in the book of Acts. Discipleship through community.
Each unique, some from different places with different gifts and callings, but with one heart and one purpose to advance the Kingdom of heaven on Earth and make Heaven crowded.
And
To help you create. We believe we are all created to create in some way.
With an emphasis (for now) on writing.
Your story matters, to us and to God.
Our team wants to help you tell it your story, and publish it too.
With love,
Shannon R. Hess
Founder of House of Acts Press