The Seasons of Life: Be Aware and Prepare

Mary Beth Eberhard considers how our preparation in each season of motherhood determines whether we will live that season well. 

One of the most interesting things about history is that from it we can predict the future and prepare for it. Human nature in its goodness and in its weakness assures that there will be intolerance, greed, and suffering. It also shows us that there will be waves of provision, blessing, and wonder. We can all pinpoint times in history when this has been the case.  

I find myself in a season where I see these realities in my motherhood. As a mom of eight children, four who are out of the home, and four who will leave in the next five years, I find myself looking ahead for what might be possible, but experience tells me to look back to prepare for what is to come.  

Our lives as mothers have seasons. Every one of us has walked through an agonizing season of suffering; one so difficult it reframed who we are. We can also look back into our rolodex of memories and recall times of astounding abundance, where God’s provision and others generosity reaffirmed the goodness of humanity. The truth is that those cycles repeat themselves in our lives and we are called to be prepared for them. It is how we prepare for them that will determine if we’ve used them well or just let them pass us by. 

Be Aware: What do you Need? 

I find myself in a season of suffering and for the first time am not only aware of it but am allowing myself to feel it. Many old seasons came with such a high need of care that they mandated almost every thought and action. I remember being either on or numb, with no in-between. I’m more aware now; feeling the effects of those seasons and knowing that I need to care for myself better as they approach.  

There are so many analogies here. Think of the young homeowner living in the hurricane zone, who might not know all the precautions to take when prepping for a storm. Twenty years of living through those storms and I am sure it is a solid routine by now. And so it must be for us. We must be aware and prepare!  

Be Prepared: Pack Your Suitcase! 

Think back to a season of suffering? What might you have needed? I am realizing what I need is not what I might have thought. I need to have a cup of tea, every morning with my husband: non-negotiable, whether it be over a phone call because one of us is travelling or side by side in the dark as we watch the sunrise.  

I need to food prep. Knowing I can feed my family and myself with healthy meals takes a daily worry away in a time of uncertainty. I need time to connect with others outside of the intensity of this situation, especially when it is out of my sphere of control.  

I take walks and talk to God; offering every step for the situation that I cannot control; but for which I pray for a solution. I am also making a list so when this season hits again, I can take out my survival suitcase. It will have what I need.   

It’s easy to think of suffering seasons, but what about joyful ones? How can we prepare for those? Again, I go back to my suitcase. I have travelled here before. Sometimes life surprises us, God blesses us, and we have more than we need. In those seasons, we give. We celebrate with gratitude by looking to bless others. Whether it be choosing a family that needs a big blessing box, giving an envelope to our priest and letting him play Saint Nicholas, or forgiving a debt that was owed us, this season is always met with gratitude and pause. We make sure to stop, feel, and stand in wonder and awe. For we have walked in the footsteps of the very people we are privileged to help.  

Just as we prepare for winter, spring, summer and fall, we need to not be caught off guard by the seasons of our lives. We’ve walked through storms before, and we’ll walk through them again — but this time, with wisdom in our back pocket and a suitcase of preparation ready to go.  

We’ve experienced a bountiful harvest and the joy of seeing God’s provision work wonders in other’s lives. Let’s make our lists, stock our souls with prayer, and remember the little daily anchors that keep us steady. Perhaps we will find that even in the hardest times, peace is possible, and in the most abundant times, joy can overflow to bless others.  

The rhythm of life isn’t meant to be feared; it’s meant to be anticipated and lived with courage, intention, and a grateful heart. 

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Copyright 2025 MaryBeth Eberhard
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