Becoming a Woman for All Seasons

Aug 4

Thoughts in today’s post began with a conversation I had with a woman who is in a season of life that requires her to juggle a myriad of responsibilities. The discussion wasn’t about me, but it triggered memories of “issues” with which I dealt several years ago.

I was a wife, mom, ministry leader, and career woman who typically traveled more than 100 miles a day commuting to and from my job or on business travel. I was not unhappy in any of my roles. In fact, I truly loved each of them. Yet, I often felt exhausted, stressed, and fragmented. I maintained elaborate lists, and one time realized that about the only time I felt a spark of joy was when I was able to check something off my “to-do” list so I could move on to the next task.

Seasons are always changing. Several years have passed since those days. Of course, I still have stress, but the stressors experienced today pale in comparison. Thinking about that season gives me tremendous admiration and empathy for women who may be thinking, “Yeah. I am THERE, and I am doing THAT.”

During that season, I asked God to lead me to a verse in the Bible I could hang on to for every season in my lifetime. During one of my morning commutes, Psalm 1:1-3 seemed to be the answer to my request.

(Note: I have paraphrased slightly these verses taken from the New Living Translation, personalizing the gender and pronouns to represent “woman.” My understanding is that the original Hebrew language, which was subsequently translated/paraphrased “man” or “person” means “humankind.”)

Winter in Post Falls, Idaho