Spring Forward

Just a few weeks ago it was that time of year to turn our clocks ahead 1 hour and spring forward. This follows the “fall back” time change of winter. I struggle with these down times as they leave me feeling unproductive; like I’m wasting time. I’ve never been one to recognize burnout as it builds in me and I usually end up crashing.  Also, for most of us, to fall back means there's been some sort of a failure.

While looking through my manna binders I came across a little piece of paper where I’d written these words:
SPRING FORWARD =
PRESS IN THE ENERGY/RELEASE THE POWER
PRESS DOWN/GO HIGH
COMPRESS A LITTLE/GET BIG RESULTS 


Daylight Savings time is an unnatural man-made time equalizer but it does give us something to consider for our spiritual lives. Perhaps God needs us to retract so He can launch us in the right season. There are several examples in nature of periods of dormancy followed by incredible rebirth and bloom.  

I remember a time when I heard God very clearly say “step down” and I tried to negotiate a lesser “step back” scenario. After all, God had originally put me in this place to minister and had already laid out some marvelous plans. He couldn’t possibly have meant for me to abandon my team, right?  Wrong, that’s just what He meant.  He saw the big picture and knew that things had changed on a spiritual level and a plot designed by Satan was taking hold to take me out and discredit the ministry. But, I forged ahead in a lessor capacity and the plans of the enemy hit its mark. If only I’d been willing to enter into a winter season and fall back into His loving arms to hibernate. Of course God used this evil for good and the church set up teams to minister to its staff so burnout could be caught early, staff time off could be managed, and everyone got to go to church as a worshipper instead of a minister at every service. I still struggle with these seasons but I’m learning to love the bear cave and now long to hear His whispers during the winter.

**Lord, thank you for every season.  You are so masterful in how You operate.  Please give me eyes to see when seasons change and a heart to know that I can trust that you see the whole picture and are working for my best.  Forgive me for trying to live forever in springtime and never resting in your embrace.  I want to know you in peace as well as zeal. Remind me to watch for others in winter and encourage them as they seek you for refreshment.  I love you.**

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. ”  Luke 6:38 (NIV)

Next time you feel winter coming on don’t be sad and discouraged. It’s all part of the coming “Spring Forward” plan. You can also think about this company mascot’s way of enjoying the down time. Click here for link to a video from “Spring Loaded Trampoline Park", Texas