Summary

The article discusses the concept of recognizing and embracing the different seasons of one's life as a means to live more fully, guided by the notion of "kairos" time, which emphasizes moments of opportunity and divine purpose rather than chronological time.

Abstract

The author reflects on the cyclical nature of life and the importance of understanding and naming the seasons of one's life to gain deeper insight and fulfillment. By acknowledging these seasons, such as "The Season of Letting Go," individuals can align their experiences with divine timing, or "kairos" time, which offers a perspective of life's moments as opportunities for growth and transformation. The article encourages readers to engage in self-reflection to discern the characteristics and purposes of their current life phase, suggesting that this practice can lead to a more meaningful and intentional existence. The author also posits that by asking who God wants to be for them in each season, individuals can find comfort, strength, and a clearer sense of self.

Opinions

The author expresses gratitude for the concept of "kairos" time, which provides comfort and a sense of control outside the limitations of chronological time.
Reflecting on life in terms of "kairos" time is seen as a way to live more fully and avoid the feeling of time slipping away.
The act of naming the season one is in allows for a deeper understanding of personal growth and the fruits of the Spirit that God may be cultivating in one's life.
The author suggests that recognizing and embracing the current season can lead to the embodiment of one's fullest potential and prevent wishing to be in a different life stage.
Asking God who He wants to be in different life situations shifts the focus from self to divine attributes, potentially revealing God as Healer, Peace, Provider, or Comforter, among others.
The practice of reflecting on and documenting life's seasons is encouraged as a means to gain insight into oneself and one's relationship with God, fostering personal and spiritual growth.

How to Name the Seasons of Your Life and Live More Fully

What we name we can understand

Life does have a way of coming full circle doesn’t, it?

Recently, I stayed with my son and slept in the guest bedroom of his house while he slept down the hall with his significant other. How did this happen so fast? I wondered, this change of season? Wasn't he just a kid sleeping under my roof?

Above me on a shelf sat Little Bear and Simba — symbols of his childhood. I wanted to plead with Simba and Little Bear to help me turn back time and make these mother/son roles reverse. Please put Simba and Little Bear and my son back in his room under my roof and give me back some time.

But, as they say, time and adulthood wait for no mom.

Learn to see seasons in kairos time

I’m grateful for God’s time, though — kairos time. It’s a time that lives outside of the way we measure time. And it comforts me to remember that God stands outside of time, and that He controls my time — when I submit it to Him. When I stop racing against time and surrender all my seasons to Him, I can be assured He will align and use my seasons in a way that is not just a reminder of the clock ticking against me.

Kairos time: Used in the Bible to describe a time for action, conversion, and transformation—or a change of life. Kairos is not just the passing of time (that’s chronos), but it is often referred to as a moment of opportunity and favor. God assists us in discerning kairos time so we can live in the fullness of opportunity, not the crisis of a ticking clock.

My hope is that I’ll be more aware of the seasons of life versus the erosion of years. That I’ll live in moments instead of minutes and days. That I’ll see time in chunks, dwell in those immersions like I’m diving into a pool, and that I’ll pay attention in whatever season I’m in.

Name your season and reflect

Someone posted on Facebook this question that got me thinking about life in kairos time:

“What is the name of the season of life you are in right now?”

The prompt gave me pause to take some time to think about and fully recognize this current season for what it is — what God is doing, preparing me for, and showing me. Really, this is the way we should reflect on life regularly.

For a while now, I’ve been in The Season of Letting Go as I’ve practiced a lifestyle of simplicity and decluttering. This season included the decluttering of my heart and clearing of my mind and motives. It’s resulted in less stress, feeling like I finally know who I really am as the weight of others’ (and my own) expectations have been hauled to the curb like unwanted garbage.

I remember a season of longsuffering when God gave me the image of sitting still. Maybe it wouldn’t be longsuffering now that I’ve learned to be still, but back then sitting still felt like the courageous act of praying for patience! There have been other seasons too, like the long season of motherhood where my goals were simple — pay attention to my family — and the season of mourning and healing after my mother died, in which I committed to little more than reading in my bed for hours at a time.

Sometimes we can’t name the season we’re in until we are past it. That’s okay. The season may feel more like an I-can’t-see-the-forest-for the-trees phase of life than a clearly labeled chapter. However, taking the time to name that narrative brings me into kairos time.

It’s a fuller way to live. It helps me embody my fullest potential in each season of life, instead of negating where I am and wishing I were somewhere else.

I can ask:

Who am I in this season of life? What gifts am I using now, or how is life shaping me? Who do I need to be for those I love, or what quality (fruit of the Spirit) is God producing in my life right now? What parameters or markers signify this season? What events will I look back on and mark as those that stand out during this current (or recently passed) stage of life?

And, perhaps the most important question:

Who does God want to be for me in this season?

Who does God want to be for you?

Graham Cooke — ever optimistic in his encouragement for us to approach life in question and expectation mode — says that, in every situation, we can ask God, “Who do you want to be for me in this situation?”

Instead of looking at our seasons of challenge or suffering or loss with the question, “Why?,” we can acknowledge where we are (name it) and ask God, “Who do you want to be for me here?”

Asking this question is a way of exploring God’s attributes. It also takes the focus off ourselves and places it back on Him.

Are you sick? Does God want to be your Healer? Worried? Does God want to be your Peace? In the midst of a turbulent financial situation? Maybe God wants to be your Provider in a way you’ve never experienced before. Lonely? God might want to be your Comforter.

In good seasons, we should ask this question also. In recent seasons of my life, God has shown up as Peace, Joy, Grace, and Creativity.

By taking time to reflect on the seasons of our lives and journal, draw, and document in whatever way feels right, we discover more about ourselves and God. Using the opportunities life gives us, we can absorb the fullness of life’s experiences into our souls, allowing each chapter and season to nourish and transform us.

Each phase of life is an opportunity for growth and wisdom to sink into our souls. Name the season you’re in currently. Does it surprise you what comes to mind? Why is that name appropriate? Can you reflect back on other seasons or chapters? Will you carry this practice forward?

I’d love to hear about your current season and who God is being for you in this place. Care to share? Janis Cox, Tracy Gerhardt-Cooper, Bett Harris, Kimberley Payne, Mary Hood?

This story is published in Koinonia — stories by Christians to encourage, entertain, and empower you in your faith, food, fitness, family, and fun.

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