A New Season of Life

As I wrote last week, this past Sunday was my retirement Sunday. I had a great weekend with my children and grandchildren. We went to the beach and out for dinner on Saturday, and of course they were with us on Sunday for our final service. Our church, Shrewsbury First Assembly, honored and celebrated Kim and me with kind words, prayers, gifts, and a beautiful reception. And I was so blessed to have so many extended family members and friends from throughout the years join us that day. 

Then came Monday and Tuesday and….suddenly, it all seemed so final! One season of life had ended and a new season had begun. Yes, I had been planning for this moment for over a year, yet it still seemed so sudden—and again, so final. By Tuesday, I was questioning whether or not I had made the right decision. Was this a good thing? Would I get used to this new life? Would I become anxious, depressed, bored, lonely, etc.? Would Kim and I make it financially? So many questions—and even fears—began to run through my mind. But isn’t that the way it is when we step into a new season of life? 

I don’t know about you, but I like routine, the familiar, and the predictable. A new season, however, always upends each of those. A new season of life forces us to create new routines; become familiar with that which was once unfamiliar; and become comfortable with the unpredictable. Thus, I find myself this week having to take a deep breath and accept the fact that truly life has changed—and say to myself, it’s going to be OK. 

When we go through new seasons of life, we are forced to look for anchors that remain the same, no matter the season. For me, that’s my wife Kim, who for sure is an anchor in my life. And it’s my family—my children, grandchildren, siblings, etc.—whom I know will always be there. Most of all, it’s God himself, the One who never changes and who has promised to always be with me. 

Thus, I will take to heart Moses’ words to Joshua: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 – NIV) 

And, I’ll hold onto Jesus’ final words to his disciples: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) 

Whatever the season of life we may be in, we can know that God will step into that season with us. Thus, we can enter each season filled with faith, confidence, and incredible hope and peace. May it be so in my life. May it be so in yours. 

Have a great day! 

- Pastor Tim Harris