Recently, my son announced the upcoming closure of his recording studio, which has been his passion and full-time job for almost ten years. Although he told me this was a possibility, I wasn’t expecting the announcement to come so soon. In some ways, I’m sad, but I know his decision is God-led, therefore, I believe God will open a new chapter that is even better.
Responding to Closing Chapters
Earlier this year, our Minister of Music announced his retirement after 35 years of service to our church. I’ve been a choir member since I was seventeen. His leaving feels a little like a death, yet he is acting on God’s instruction and plan for him and his family.
Obviously, for me, a big life chapter closed last year, with Jim’s unexpected death. Once I navigated the initial shock, I knew I had a choice to make. I could let the closing of this life chapter cripple me, or I could look for God’s provision and plan despite my grief.
Once, years ago, when I was facing major surgery, my mother called me in tears. I was impatient with her and told her the surgery was mine, not hers. She whispered, “but it feels like it’s happening to me.” I didn’t understand what she was dealing with then, but I do now.
When life chapters close for others, and their decision impacts us, even indirectly, it sometimes feels like it’s ours. However, remember, it’s about them, not about you.
When God instructs you to close a life chapter, or closes one for you, be receptive. Although obedience and acceptance are often scary and uncertain, follow God’s leadership, because He sees the big picture, while we see only snapshots.
The Seasonal Aspect of Life
So many aspects of life are seasonal in ways similar to nature. We have seasons of growth, seasons of joy and bounty, seasons of change, and dormant seasons. Life cycles come and go.
Closing life chapters is difficult, sad even, but if you maintain the perspective that the unfolding of a new, better chapter is just around the corner, closing a current chapter isn’t quite as hard.
Waiting for a New Chapter to Open
When reading a riveting book, if the author has done a good job, when you come to the end of a chapter, the way the chapter closes spurs you on to read the next. That cliff-hanging chapter finish prompts a “can’t-wait” desire to move forward.
However, when a life chapter closes, although difficult, waiting and assessing rather than pushing for forward motion is advisable. Most of us have that innate drive to “make” something happen rather than waiting patiently. Some level of anxiety is involved in the limbo-ness of waiting, but avoid rushing ahead. Eventually, the page turns and a new chapter unfolds.
It’s All about Change
Closing and opening life chapters are all about change, and most of us don’t handle change well. The familiar is comfortable. The familiar allows us to coast, to some extent. But when life chapters close, we gear up for what’s next. We ponder, assess, and pray. And if we are wise, we listen intently for God’s voice and heed his direction.
Are you in a season of transition? Is a life chapter closing for you or someone you love? Are you anxious about what is ahead? Trust God to open the door wide to the next chapter.
“For everything that happens in life—there is a season, a right time for everything under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 VOICE).
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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Excellent Candy— I’m in a Season full of things that are hard on one side, yet I see the blessing from God as well— some seasons have changed or passed— and it seems a new one is just around the corner 😊 God is good and works His plan for us!
Pamela,
Thank you!
Candy,
Every post you have shared since your hisband’s death has been so poignant and helpful to me and I am sure to all of us who’ve read them. THANK YOU for being real and having the courage to let us walk with you which also gives me (us) courage.
I appreciate your comments. Thank you!
I certainly related to your relevant post on doors closing, changing identities, and then resetting our lifestyles to what is next…or to what God has next for us. Thank you for your inspirational advice from what you have experienced through your own closed doors.
Thank you, Mitzi!