Wildfire survivor Elizabeth Van Tassel garners encouraging real-life stories and creates fantasy for kids with one goal in mind—helping tweens, teens, and adults find RESILIENCE amidst the most challenging times in life.
In this Spiritual Life UPGRADE, she encourages us to be open to life makeovers, so God’s touch will be evident in our lives.
“I didn’t ask for this season of great change, but I knew there was a whisper of something more packed into the move," Elizabeth said. "There’s a moment when you decide to either live a life of calling or of complacency. I didn’t want any regrets."
I (Dawn) think we can identify with seasons of change—expected and unexpected. But how we approach those changes makes a huge difference.
Elizabeth continues . . .
My husband looked stunned at the out-of-town, unsolicited job offer he’d received. It was an amazing opportunity for him, but I hesitated at first.
Our infant son’s third word was “box,” because our family had moved six times in two years.
Those were awful, unplanned and emergency-tinged after losing everything we owned in a massive wildfire years ago.
So, the word “move” provided a real challenge for me.
But the experience of giving everything to the Lord, and watching Him build a life for us again also freed me to invest in hope.
I said yes, and jumped.
Right now, we’re living in boxes in temporary housing, and breathing in the moment of trust daily.
- Where will we live? Not sure yet.
- Where will my grocery store be? Must remain flexible.
It’s like the TV show where they show up and dump your old clothes and take you on a shopping spree for a whole new look.
Are you open to His leading when this happens? Where does your life need transformation?
What if you’re cruising along, pretty content with life in general, and then a great change arrives?
Are you ready to be receptive to that ‘still, quiet voice’ prompting you to be open to something new? What could you miss if you’re not listening? Can dark times of loss and recovery actually make you MORE resilient?
Here’s what David had to say in Psalm 36:7-9:
“The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.”
Your ability to be RESILIENT, or flexible enough to bend rather than break when pressures rise and life brings more stress, is to be able to UPGRADE as you do three things.
1. Nestle in closer, even when you don’t feel safe.
It’s all right to realize you’re a bit fragile. Ironically, those brittle moments are when we can uncover a new relationship with Christ.
Share your dreams and feelings. Give yourself time and permission to hang out in the Word and in conversational prayer. It can bring connection and healing. Perhaps those moments when you need “refuge” will bring you even closer to Him.
2. Look for abundance in unexpected places.
When your life situations shift dramatically, there will be losses. Friends, or homes, or even jobs may change.
But in that season, what new doors are being opened?
Is it a caring friend who unexpectedly shows up to help?
Are you developing a new skill?
You never know how God can use your situation.
Be open to new lessons.
Where there’s growth, there’s a chance for Him to retool something; because He LOVES makeovers—those of the heart—the most.
3. Search for a river of delights.
So many people, perhaps hundreds, have asked me how we stayed positive, our marriage survived, and our children have coped with so much change. We found a way to be intentional with our time and our activities, and even planned more fun into our priorities—thanks to our kids’ perspective!
Time slows when there’s loss or death or depleted resources. Eventually, after some healing, you’re ready for significant questions in uncovering how to live a life of calling rather than just getting by.
You’ll find that river of delights when you sit quietly and ask Him:
- For refreshment.
- For the next breath.
- For deliverance.
- And for acceptance.
So, are you ready to take a breath, listen more, and learn from painful moments? Can you pack your own boxes? What’s holding you back?
Elizabeth Van Tassel, resilience expert and fantasy writer, has really lived a life with
diamonds, wildfires, and miracles. A wildfire survivor and gemologist who lost every possession and her home in the 2007 Witch Creek Wildfire, she winds tales of wondrous gems and destructive loss into fantastic fantasy for the next generation and beyond. She also speaks, writes nonfiction, and blogs weekly for adults and kids about living a resilient life. Learn more about Elizabeth here.
Graphic adapted, courtesy of Ron Porter at Pixabay.