Wednesday of this past week in Maryland was amazing for January 25th. It was about 50 degrees at my home in the afternoon when I returned home from working at the studio. Hubby and the littlest kiddo, Caleb, were sound asleep on the couch so I got Noah and I dressed to go out and play in the yard and soak up every ounce of sunshine while we could. Even those who don’t have a tendency towards “winter blues” have been feeling it here these rainy, foggy, and overcast few weeks. And I was no exception. So after a few minutes of pushing Noah on the swing and chasing him around the yard playing tag, I sat down to rest in the sun while he explored the muddy backyard.
I feel closer to God when I’m out in nature. Even if it’s the middle of January and everything around me appears dead. When I’m outside I try to ask God what He wants to say to me in that moment. I was aware of how my heart has been longing for the return of warmth, new life, and abundance, both in nature and in my business. The winter season tends to be a slower time for photographers and this January has been like many in the past. Though it was definitely a blessing considering how sick the kids and I were for 2-3 weeks.
In my longing for the return of new life and abundance I felt the Lord remind me that abundance means more responsibility, more work.
As I looked out onto a dormant lawn that hasn’t needed cut in months and flower beds rid of weeds I remembered that I am currently in a season of rest. New life and abundance will return as surely as Spring will return. And I will need to be rested and renewed to be ready for it, just like the nature that surrounded me. The barren trees are growing deeper roots while their leaves and fruit are missing. Am I growing deeper roots in God and building a stronger foundation in my business before “fruit-producing” season returns? Am I resting in the Lord, caring for my heart, my body, and my relationships while in this season? Or am I choosing worry and anxiety because I cannot see the fruit right now?
My hope and prayer for you this week is that you would lay anxiety, worry, or anything that’s depleting you at the feet of Jesus and savor your season of rest if that’s the season you’re in. If you’re in a season of abundance I pray that you’re stewarding each gift, each relationship, each client, and each project well because they were all given to you by God himself.
“In my longing for the return of new life and abundance I felt the Lord remind me that abundance means more responsibility, more work.” Jenna Shriver
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