IN-BETWEEN

In a few days the kids will be at school. Some will be returning while others joining for the first time. The advertisers have expressed the relief of parents with jingles singing “It’s That Wonderful Time of the Year”. Technically it is summer still, but the anticipated entrance of Autumn is now upon us.

Autumn is that “In-Between” season. It buffers the end of a glorious summer and the beginning of a potentially harsh winter. There are many “In-Between” times of life, such as:

-birth, life and death.

-junior school, middle school, high school.

-start of college, graduation and then finding employment.

-employment, career then retirement.

-kids with us and then kids gone, repeat.

-being single and then the first of several relationships.

-no permanent commitment and then marriage.

-marriage and then for some, divorce.

-health and then sickness and then hopefully back to health.

-parents here with us and parents gone.

-rest and then anxiety while searching for peace.

You get the point.

We tend to exalt summer and belittle winter. We make plans to escape the cold, snowy climate of Canada and travel somewhere warmer, brighter, more enticing. Canadian snowbirds are increasing exponentially with the mass retirement of baby-boomers. Sadly, we lose sight of the “In-Between”.

Each season has three months. For Autum there is September to October, October to November and November to December. Approximately 90 days. Those days are important to our life as any other period, regardless of the change in temperature, the hibernation of plant life and animals, shorter days and longer nights, frost and then snow. We focus on these changing elements and at times ignore the hidden beauty found within the In-Between. There is the beauty of the changing colors of the trees, the smell of wood burning fires, freshly baked bread, cakes and cookies, the abundance of fresh air, the overwhelming comfort of sweaters, hoodies and blankets, the first pristine covering of unblemished white snow and the excitement on kids faces, thanksgiving and turkey, pumpkin pies, the farmers’ harvest. The In-Between season of life called Autum has so much wonder to behold and experiences to enjoy. It prepares us to over come the darkness of Winter.

There are times in life when the “In-Between” is difficult to live through. Being healthy and then being told you are not, having to endure months and sometime years of treatments, multiple operations and endless consultations, always hoping a new season of health with vibrant energy returns. The In-Between of employment, then unexpected termination, and the stressful search for a new job, littered with rejection, disappointment and anxiety. The In-Between of an invigorating relationship, only to end suddenly, hearts broken, emotions uncontrollable, futures uncertain. And of course, as is now upon us, the In-Between of children who were once protected at home in our care, now being surrendered to a world in chaos with no apparent value system and a culture of extreme selfishness and narcissism. It’s scary.

How then do we, must we anchor ourselves during the In-Betweens that life without hesitation offers us?

 The In-Betweens of life are simply that, in-betweens, but in small letters. While a part of life they are not life in total, though we still need to deal with them. But how?

Be Patient, Not a Patient.

Many years ago, I received a gift during a Christmas exchange. It was a small picture, or plaque with these words printed:

“They that wait (patience) upon God, shall renew their strength; they shall mount up on wings as eagles; they shall run and not get weary; they shall walk and not faint; teach me God to wait (patience).”

Waiting with patience is not easy. We want, expect and often demand results immediately. Unfortunately, we become a patient to our impatience. Our inability to wait for the best outcome results in the worse result. We become stressed, overwhelmed, anxious, with feelings of abandonment, loss of control, paralysis and hopelessness.

If we learn how to be and exercise the value of patience, our strength will be renewed, and we will be empowered to live joyfully through all circumstances.

Exercise Uncommon Faith.

It is difficult to discern what is and isn’t true these days. It seems no one is prepared to be honest. Our culture does not value integrity. Who do we and what can we trust? But if we seek the truth, and when we find the truth, the truth will set us free. Knowing truth exists, truth can be found, and we can have faith in the truth, this knowledge offers a liberation from the cultural shackles of injustice and falsehoods. Focus on those matters that are true, good, pure and profitable for your life. Have faith that truth has always overcome. The truth is, you are not to be a victim of your circumstances but will be a victor from your circumstances.

Release the Outcome to God.

There will come a point in time when you do not know what to do. You have tried everything. And so, you should. But your everything at times just isn’t enough. The doctor may say “there is nothing else we can do for you!”; the counsellor may surrender and give the situation back to you after admitting they are at a loss for resolution. Your friends walk away, your family distance themselves. Nothing is more present than something. What do you do? Simply, release the outcome to God. He/she expects us to try; when our strength is exhausted, when our attempts fail, when advice is weak and actions absent, it is time to admit and say: “God I release this situation to you, completely, and trust You to do what is best for me, for my life!” Sometimes, the In-Between is where God places us to prepare us for His/her display of love.

Don’t surrender to the falsehoods of the In-Betweens. Do not be discouraged by change. Embrace the opportunities of the current season of life, and prepare yourself for a better, more abundant and joyful journey. Be of good cheer and focus on all that is good.

 Merv