The triathlon racers swam a ½ mile. Then they biked 15 miles. And then they ran 3.1 miles. And it was timed. How cool is that!
Let me just say … those racers are impressive. (My favorite oldest nephew heard our loudest “You’ve got this!” yells of encouragement, and I was so very proud of him!)
And you know which racers inspired me the most? The brave and determined participants who were finishing their swim at the same time some of the fastest were sprinting through the finish line. As the fastest whizzed past them, barely out of breath, the last-of-the-swimmers still got on their bikes and started pedaling the 15-mile route.
We watched them climb onto their bikes – some of the women staying in their one-piece swimsuits they may have bought at Target – dripping wet. That scene triggered amazement and respect in my heart, because they were showing up exactly where they were. They didn’t wait to show up when they had a shot at the best time (or when they had their ducks in a row, or their act together). They showed up right where life had them.
During the rest of the day, I was inspired to put more energy into my walking and health activities that nourish me physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. And here’s the cool thing about that …
I also gave myself permission to recognize where I’m at in this season of life, and not start setting unrealistic expectations about what this rhythm should look like.
The last year brought new responsibilities during the pandemic (as it did with all of us, right?). Steve’s mom was very sick with the virus and lived with us for a few months while she got better. That journey began just after my mom left this earth and ended 7 years of caregiving, so I’ve just recently found the space to feel the weariness of that sacred time, and the deep sadness that comes with saying good-bye to her. The last few months, we’ve continued to help Steve’s mom while we find our own new rhythms at home and in life, in a season that is very new to us.
Your experiences and life-changes during the last 15 months may be similar, and we could all add a bunch of other new responsibilities and feelings to our lists. Things have changed. Our lives have changed in response to what our own, personal last year looked like.
Here’s my encouragement for you:
You’re probably in a new season.
You have permission to be in this season, without worrying about being behind or not doing enough.
Your season may be inviting you to enjoy watching the race – cheering, encouraging, ringing your cowbell along the sideline, as you rest and let your heart and body get recharged. You know that it’s not time to push it, and your growth and movement is more internal than external. This time isn’t wasted, and the days still count. They’re just a bit slower.
Or you may decide it’s time to dip your toe into the water. Try something new or move something forward that you’re working on. But you’ll do it at your own pace. Your goal is to keep moving – swimming, pedaling, and running – while you keep your joy and enthusiasm and fun meter on max. You are setting your rhythm. It’s not being set by the stopwatch at the finish line, or the images you see on social media, or by what your friends are doing.
And of course, you may be in the season when you’re ready to take off! Kick some butt and go after your personal record. Finish your project. Set up an exciting and challenging new routine. Go for it!
Allow yourself to be in the season you find yourself in.
Don’t worry about what seasons others are in – we are all on our own journey.
Jennifer Dukes Lee has written a beautiful, helpful book on un-hurrying our hearts: “Growing Slow: Lessons on Un-Hurrying your Heart from an Accidental Farm Girl.” She reminded me that there’s a season for everything, as the first few verses in Ecclesiastes chapter 3 tells us.
Jennifer writes, “There is a season for everything – the hard things and the beautiful things, the living things and the dying things, the things that grow fast and the Ancient Way where things grow slow.”
Each of the seasons is needed. No season is more important than the others.
Take a few minutes and think about the season you’re in.
You have permission to be there.
Move at your own pace. Enjoy this moment.
Meet God in this season of your life.
See Him in the rhythms of your day.
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product through these links, your cost will be the same, but I may receive a commission. I only link to books and products I personally love!
