Learning to Love the Season You're In

This year started off with a vision board party with a few friends

This has been a year filled with NEW things. And while the start of any new year often brings talk of fresh goals, resolutions, and plans, we all know the truth—new things don’t always materialize the way we imagine. But for me, this truly is a season of new, and I’m deeply grateful.

I ended the previous year with bittersweet emotions.

After much prayer—real prayer, the kind where you double-check that you’re hearing God clearly—I made the difficult decision to close our nonprofit’s retail location, the Sew Hope Community Sewing Room.

For three years, this space located about 40 minutes outside of downtown St. Louis—served as more than just a sewing shop. We offered affordable sewing classes for children and adults, sold fabric and notions, provided alteration and embroidery services, and most importantly, created a space for community.

A new car was in the plans for this year. Meet "Holy Pearl" who is doing a great job transporting me to and fro.

We hosted weekly Bible studies and monthly service projects, like sewing pillowcases for those experiencing homelessness and cancer caps for individuals undergoing treatment. It was a special place, and still, I knew God was calling me to close that chapter so I could fully step into the next phase of ministry: strengthening our sewing workforce development program for individuals reentering the community from prison, those who are unhoused, immigrants, and others navigating seasons of transition who want to learn sewing for employment, education, or enjoyment.

I really tried to do both—run the retail shop and build the workforce program. But it often felt like I was burning the candle at both ends. I came home exhausted, overwhelmed, and yes… crabby. So, I closed the shop at the end of the year after much prayer and a few tears, stepping into the new year with expectancy and hope.

And here we are.

There is so much NEW around me.

It feels like my eyes have opened wider, and I can see more clearly. With the shop closed, my daily rhythms have shifted, and I’m grateful for the freedom and flexibility in my schedule.

New daily rhythms includes time for working out an building strength for this 4? year old body

Each morning at 6:00 AM, I join a daily prayer call (Jewel Warrior) with women who began as friends and are now sisters. We pray for one another, remind each other of God’s Word, and lovingly war in prayer for our families, children, communities, and ourselves. It’s holy, grounding, and life-giving.

I also purchased a new car—something I’m genuinely grateful for every single day. God actually showed me the type of car to get through a dream and revealed how my mom would play an integral role in the process. Her wisdom, prayers, encouragement, and even help negotiating the final price were all clearly God-led. I’m continually amazed that God still speaks—yes, even through dreams!

Along with all this “new,” God also called me into a new diet—becoming vegetarian. This has not been easy. In prayer and journaling, God gently reminds me that new seasons often require new disciplines. This diet, He assures me, is for my good—and peace comes when I surrender fully.

I’ve tried negotiating. I told God I’d do vegetarian for six months and then go back.

After a tough day of cravings—and even seeing the scale go up—I told my prayer line sisters I was ready to quit. They lovingly reminded me of God’s bigger plan: consistency, faithfulness, and trust. I’m grateful for women who help me stay anchored when I want to saw off the anchor and swim away.

Because of my new schedule, I’ve also been able to commit to strength training four days a week with a group of women and a fitness trainer. We train, we sweat, and we’re supported with nutrition coaching too. It’s another gift of this season—one I couldn’t have sustained before.

Finally, I’ve realized how much I missed community in the prior year.

For three years, I had my head down—building, plowing, producing. It was necessary, and it bore fruit. But I missed coffee dates, lunches, and unrushed conversations with friends. This year, I’ve intentionally created space for connection, even sharing an online calendar to schedule time together with friens. And I’m so grateful.

Maybe that’s the heart of this message—for you.

You may be in a season that feels hard or limiting. Perhaps you’re raising children,

Spring mix with cottage cheese, black olives and onion.

tightening your budget, rebuilding a marriage, caring for aging parents, or simply surviving.

It might feel like you’re stuck, waiting for the “next” season to arrive.

But Scripture reminds us there is a time and season for everything.

Although I’ve exited a demanding season where I felt stretched thin, that season was necessary. This current season—at least for now—is one of rest, new rhythms, and renewal. And I’m learning to be content here.

I don’t know how long this season will last. But while I’m in it, I choose to enjoy the NEW and to trust that God knows exactly what He’s doing.

Hi, my name is Kacie Starr Long. I am an author, and speaker and I love to use my voice to point people to Jesus. When I'm not writing, I'm either hanging out with my husband or sewing. God delivered me from food addiction and I have a sewing ministry, called the Sew Hope . I am the proud wife of Alfred T. Long, Sr and together we lead a non-profit that provides services for those battling substance abuse and those impacted by incarceration. Connect with me at www.InspiredOverflow.com and via my YouTube page for Christian teachings and encouragement.

PS Friends: I've recently published a NEW book called War On the Floor. This book is for those with a loved one who is deep in addiction. It's a collection of prayers to help you remain focused and strengthened as you believe God for breakthrough. There is truly power in prayer! Order your copy today.