No one likes setbacks or failures. And we should run to win every chance we get. But, as we play the long game, we might realize a particular disappointment was not only temporary, it was also for our good – allowing us to come back better, stronger, and more refined.
For instance, an athlete might hit a wall in his training. Perhaps he’s injured or can simply no longer make meaningful improvements in his game. Either way, it’s disheartening when it’s clear he must step away for a while. But this time off gives him a chance to reset his body, soul, and spirit. And he comes back a better athlete on multiple levels.
While this is close to what some might consider a Sabbatical, it’s not merely a time to rest only to come back to do the same thing. This time away allows for needed growth and maturity. And often it entails a season or two of doing something else altogether different.
For example, the athlete might explore new intellectual pursuits, while the professor might become more athletic. This might also be a change in careers or investing in different social relationships.
Whatever it looks like, there’s a sense in which the old is allowed to die, and after a season of being buried, what then emerges is new and transformed. It’s possible this leads us into altogether new adventures. But even when we go back to the same sport, office, relationship, or the like it is not the same. We’ve been changed and transformed – made better and more effective in the work God has given us to do.
In the end, don’t hold desperately to the old when it’s clear this season is passing away. Surrender in hope knowing God is able to bring you back better.
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