Somewhere In Between

by | Apr 22, 2020 | Faith | 6 comments

I went for a walk the other night, right at dusk. It was still light outside when I left my house. The air was warm and the sky was a beautiful, bright blue. As I neared the halfway point, the sun was dropping behind the trees, shining through in glimpses of pink and gold. By the time I returned home, it was not yet dark outside, but the sky was shadowed. It lingered in that place of twilight- no longer day, but not yet night…. somewhere in between.

That is where I find myself today as I write, and where I imagine many of you find yourselves as well.

After a month of social distancing and sheltering in place, the doors are slowly beginning to open and we are all holding our breath.

How is this stepping forward supposed to go? Do we fling open the gates and rush out, arms open wide like Maria in the Sound of Music? Or do we approach it with caution- cracking the door open just a smidge and peeking out, trying to catch a glimpse of what’s out there waiting for us?

To be honest, I am somewhere in between.

I have embraced this time with my family, because I know how fleeting time is and how much I will miss these days. I am grateful for this pause, for this time at home together, especially before our oldest daughter goes off to college. Sure, I have a few regrets, things I wish we had done differently, but overall it has been a gift- one we have opened every day. 

Still, I miss my freedom, and I miss my friends. As much as I love my family, a lunch date with my girlfriends has never sounded so good!  The chance to laugh, to catch up, to just be together- that would be a gift, too. 

And yet, it seems like it’s all happening so fast; a little too much, too soon, maybe. Our communities seem so fragile, as though a gust of wind (or a huff and a puff) might just blow the whole house down. 

And then what?

So if I’m honest, I’m feeling a little grateful, a little excited, and a little scared, all at the same time.

That sounds about right for the in between.

I find myself looking back at our life before the Coronavirus pushed the pause button. With a family of six, it’s bound to be busy, but it was too busy. I filled my time with a lot of good things, but over the past few weeks I have realized some of those good things have been crowding out some of the best things. When the restrictions are lifted and the busy-bus revs back to life, there are things I’m looking forward to, but there are also several things I need to let go of, even if it’s hard. 

I find myself listening now, in this space in between. Listening to my heart, to my family, and to the Lord. As I experienced on my walk the other night, there is a shifting taking place in my soul. One season is ending, and a new one is beginning. I am on the edge right now of something new God is doing; He is turning my gaze away from the past and out towards the future. I have used this time, this in between, to dig into His Word and listen for His voice. “Behold, I make all things new!” He declares. I am ready.

And I find myself looking forward to whatever lies ahead. Like the Israelites overlooking the Promised Land or the disciples eating breakfast on the beach with the risen Christ, I can’t help wondering what comes next. I don’t know exactly where He is leading, but I know He will lead me and that’s enough. I choose obedience.

 What about you, friend? Do you also find yourself somewhere in between? 

Let me encourage you to:

LOOK BACK… What should you hold onto and what should you let go of?

LISTEN NOW… What haven’t you missed from the daily rush, and what are you most grateful for in this pause? What is God whispering to your heart?

LOOK FORWARD… What are your next steps? Where do you go from here?

If you let Him, Jesus will meet you somewhere in between.

6 Comments

  1. Jeff Allinder

    I think that phrase captures the way so many people feel right now. I got a headstart, because I’ve been “in between” for a while now. We should all use this gift (even though it is a very difficult time for many) of a pause to evaluate. I also like your thoughts about “good” versus “best.” Maybe even “OK” versus “good” or “better.” I believe that you have time for what you make time for, and this is a great time to decide if we need to reinvest our time in the same things!

    Reply
    • jarfullofmanna

      YES!! Great thoughts, friend. Thank you for sharing them!

      Reply
  2. Renee Bell

    I love this Kelly. I love how you always manage to affirm the exact thoughts that run through my head. I completely agree that this time has made me evaluate what things are “good” and what things are “best”. I’d love to hear your thoughts about what you came up with for your own family. I am fearing having good intentions to start but then falling back into the same exact patterns.

    Reply
    • jarfullofmanna

      Oh friend, I feel you! We should have a virtual coffee (tea) and compare notes! Thanks for taking the time to read and engage with me. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Yolanda

    Kelly, this post was such a blessing! 🙂

    Reply
    • jarfullofmanna

      Thank you, Yolanda! I am so glad the Lord used it to encourage you. Thanks for reading! 🙂

      Reply

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