Seasons of Change: Around Us and Within Us

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

The Subtle Signs of a New Season

Hello, friends, family, and anonymous readers who may have stumbled across this blog.

September is the ninth month of the year, and for many families and college students, it represents the beginning of a new school year—with new possibilities, new friendships, and new challenges. Summer begins transitioning into fall, bringing changes in food, clothing, and routines.

Like many others, I have eagerly waited for some relief from the excruciating temperatures reaching above 110 degrees. Recently, I noticed the temperature beginning to trickle downward. As September approached, I welcomed the cooler mornings and evenings like an old familiar friend.

I also noticed that watermelon bins are slowly making room for pumpkins. Grapes and peaches are becoming less fragrant and plentiful. Sweaters, blankets, and hot cocoa are beginning to replace swimsuits, shorts, and snow cone machines on store shelves. I am sure this happens every year, but what I really noticed this time was how gradual the transition is.

What Is Change and Transition?

Although we often use the words change and transition interchangeably because they often overlap, they are not quite the same. Change is the act or process of becoming different or moving from one condition or state to another. Transition is the process of moving from one state, season, condition, or stage of life into another.

For example, starting a new job is a change. The transition is what happens as you adjust to a new schedule, learn new responsibilities, meet new coworkers, and become comfortable in a different environment. The change may happen on your first day, while the transition can take days, weeks, or even months.As a transition to a new season may have already begun, there may even be a period when the old and new seem to exist at the same time—much like those September days when the afternoon still feels like summer, but the cool morning air tells us fall is coming. I am learning that healing can happen this way, too.

Healing Can Be Gradual

As with many of the blogs I share here at Healed & Healing, this one comes from lessons I have learned—some intentionally, some accidentally, and some I am still learning along this journey.

There has been a personal area in my life where I carried a great deal of grief. Individuals on my support team have commented that I needed to let this area go and stop looking back. Sometimes they spoke as though I had a choice—as if I could simply will myself out of what is known as complicated or prolonged grief.

I would listen, and often I would feel the sting of shame because I was stuck in a pattern of grief. At times, it would come upon me like a rogue wave, and suddenly I would be overwhelmed with uncontrollable tears followed by shame, guilt, and intense regret.  

A New Chapter Is Coming

During my morning devotional time in June 2026, I sensed the words: A new chapter and perspective is coming in this area of my life.

I believed this was directly from the Lord, so I took those words seriously. I began addressing the this area through journaling—not simply writing about the anguish but trying to understand it. I prayed about it, researched it and talked about it with a counselor, as I had done previously. But this time, something was different. A change was taking place deep inside. These changes included self-forgiveness, compassion, grace, and acceptance.

I began accepting the fact that I did the best I could. Some areas were great. Some were not so great. And some were ugly. And no matter how many times I sang, “If I could turn back time,” it was never going to happen. And there was absolutely nothing I could do to change that.

I had to reconcile true and agonizing statements. I did the best I could with the information and skill set I possessed at the time. And I didn't know what I didn't know until I realized I didn't know it. And as unfair as it is, ignorance can be a cruel taskmaster. However, as cruel as this taskmaster is, The Lord's Grace Abounds so much more. And with that, the process of self-forgiveness, self-compassion, and receiving His grace took center stage.

Now, as I look back over the last few months, I realize that deep healing has gradually taken place. There wasn't one dramatic moment when everything suddenly changed. Instead, the transition happened stealthily. I have come to accept some things as they are, while carrying an olive branch and grace in my purse while carrying healthy boundaries, and a new perspective in my heart.

For a long time, perfectionism and fear kept me in a cycle of grief, shame, penance, and appeasement. But as I check in with myself today, I realize I no longer feel compelled to remain in that space. Instead, I can extend grace to myself and move forward with resilience.

With a new perspective, there is now room for me to better understand trauma-related responses and actions and to extend forgiveness to myself. I have also given myself permission to be strong, courageous, and flexible as I walk through life’s uncertainties, knowing that along the way I will undoubtedly make more mistakes, experience a few more faux pas, and have occasional errors in judgment. This, too, is simply part of life—and part of living is continuing to move forward.

Before the Evidence Appears

Long before a woman conceives, her body has already begun preparing. And when pregnancy occurs, changes and transformations begin taking place immediately. Over time, the evidence becomes visible to the person, immediate family and friends, and then to others. Eventually, the little one is born, signaling an entirely new transition for both mother, child, and family.

Healing can follow a similar rhythm.

So much can happen quietly and unseen, with transformation unfolding beneath the surface long before we recognize it. And then one day, we notice.

Our thoughts are being challenged.

We cry a little less.

We smile a little more.

You can hold the tension of the pleasant and unpleasant memories in the same space a little longer.

We can accept hard truths without falling into a pool of our own tears.

Perhaps that is part of what Psalm 23:4 emphasizes walking “Yea, though I walk through the valley…”

Sometimes our focus can vacillate between avoiding the valley and sprinting through it as quickly as possible. Yet It is often through the walking that understanding, healing, and transformation can take place.

And much like the changing seasons, we may not recognize the transition until one day we look around—and within—and realize something has shifted.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. I hope and pray that something here has encouraged or blessed you on your own journey.

Reflection

1. Pause and look around you. What signs of transition do you notice in nature or in your environment? Perhaps the temperature is changing, plants are growing or fading, daylight is shifting, or something familiar is making way for something new. What does this remind you about the gradual nature of change?

2. Now look inward. Just as seasons can begin changing before the evidence is obvious, where might change or healing already be taking place in your life? What small differences do you notice in your thoughts, reactions, emotions, relationships, or choices?

3. Finally, look upward. Take a moment to thank God for the changes you have noticed around you in nature and for the healing, growth, and transition taking place within you. Whether the changes are small or significant, visible or still unfolding, pause and give thanks for what has already begun.

   Until next time, may the Lord continue to bless and keep you on the journey of -Healed & Healing.

   A new blog post lands every first Monday of the month—FB Engagement coming soon.

Questions or Comments

email
Admin@healedandhealing.org