August always seems to come with lots of new beginnings and fresh starts. Sometimes, I think August feels more like a new beginning than January. School is starting, ministry is starting, the seasons begin to change … well, unless you’re in the deep south like me, then you might have to wait a few more months for that cool weather.
August makes us reevaluate and wonder where we are headed. It is programmed into us from when we were in school, and reinforced with our children and grandchildren as they begin school. We get to see all the cute social media photos with children in their brand-new stiff backpacks, healthy lunches and bright white tennis shoes. I love scrolling through and seeing these photos, but they are a reminder that while we often start new seasons with the best of intentions, sometimes we begin trying to make way too many commitments and changes all at once. For example, are my kids going to have fresh stiff backpacks, well-manicured hair, healthy lunches and white tennis shoes for the entire school year? I’d say not likely! I can remember a few of those lunches I packed at the end of May and let’s just say they left a little something to be desired. I think my daughter took a “quesadilla” I made with velveeta block cheese along with chips and an Easter-themed hershey kiss one day last May. Anyone with me?
New beginnings make us want to make ALL the changes and adjustments and commitments, but sometimes we really bite off more than we can chew. Then, when we cannot balance and maintain our new outlook and goals, we feel like a failure and not one but nearly all our spinning plates begin to fall. You feel me? Let’s change that. 
That’s why I’d like to charge you to start small this season. Scripture says that Job 8:7. “Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be.”
Think of some small things you can implement each month from now until December. Slowly add-on changes and glimpses of what you desire to accomplish. For example, you could commit to Bible reading everyday for the month of August, then try to focus on using the ACTS model for daily prayer in September, maybe in October you could focus on taking friends to coffee or lunch to help encourage and equip them, and so on.
Friends, we do not have to over-commit, under-perform, fall down, and feel like we’ve fallen short time and time again. That is not the gospel. Start small and humble, then slowly build up to the life you’ve been called to live. Jesus is kind, patient, and he wants to walk alongside you as you step into this new season. Let him.
Need help walking into a new season? Maybe one of our counselors can help you navigate! Connect at www.choosinghimministries.org for more information.
