If you have been a follower of my Elevate The Day blog for any length of time, then you probably know that I love summer. It’s my favorite season. I look forward to it every year and long for it to stay as long as possible.

Therefore, you can imagine that as we approach the unofficial end of summer this weekend, my heart is a little heavy. The weather here in Connecticut has been just about as perfect as it can be, making this upcoming transition even more challenging.

As a young child, this time of year was met with excitement because it was the return to school. (I know… I’m a nerd!) With it came a new bookbag, new box of crayons, and a new lunchbox.

Key word – “new.” I like new.

I recently fell upon a TV program called “In With The Old.” It’s a home improvement show focused on people restoring old houses. They have a passion for antiques and preserving history. While it is entertaining, it’s not me. It’s highly unlikely you’d ever find me in an antique shop.

As I said, I like new.

Do you know who didn’t like new? Some of the people of Jesus’ time. Many rejected Him because of the “newness” He brought to the table. When they saw Him talking with lepers, tax collectors, and even women, it rubbed them the wrong way.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35 NKJV)

They liked their traditions. So much so, that they wanted this new season to go away so they put Jesus to death, thinking this would put an end to their discomfort. Yet, just like we cannot stop the physical seasons from changing, they could not stop the message of love that Jesus taught from spreading.

Now  you may say – “I’m not seeing a whole lot of love here on earth lately. In fact, I’m seeing the opposite.” I’d have to agree with you, especially if you spend a lot of time watching the news or scrolling social media feeds.

But what if we changed our focus? What if we looked at things in a new way? What if we…changed?

I could spend the next six months depressed that summer is over OR, I could look at the upcoming

 seasons with new eyes. Instead of complaining about the cold weather, I could plan a vacation to a warm place or complete an indoor project. The possibilities are endless, yes? 

Many of the people who chose to let go of the old were blessed, healed, and lives transformed. All it took was for them to embrace a new way of thinking. I like new.

There are many seasons in our lives other than the physical ones. Some are joyful, some are challenging. However, if we can remain consistent in our faith, walk in love, and remember that God works all things out for good (Romans 8:28), then we can enjoy every season.

P.S. If you need encouragement in whatever season you are in, then I want to invite you to watch or listen to the Elevate The Day Podcast, “How To Encourage Yourself Every Day.” No matter what we are going through, by changing our focus, we can enjoy every season.