Sarah Markley
About the Author

I'm the mother of two little girls, the wife of an amazing husband who'd rather play the guitar than anything else and I love to write. I spend my weekends watching my daughters ride horses and play soccer. I blog daily and my greatest wish is to see women healed...

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
Find more at DaySpring.com
(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
Recent Posts

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Just perfect for my season right now. Reading this on the bus on the way to.work and nodding and ‘uh huh’- ing all the way. God bless you Sarah

  2. “There even is fruit in seasons of rest: inspiration, rejuvenation, health. Remember that sometimes “producing” means taking a nap or closing our eyes” – oh, friend…thank you for this. It is freedom indeed, especially for a workaholic college student like me. Thank you.

    I think I’m beginning to lean (comfortably) into the idea that this season is one of rest for me. I’m studying abroad at the moment (I’ve been here in Ireland for six weeks and will be here until December), and thanks to the leniency of the European school system, have way more time on my hands than I’ve ever had. This is giving me ample opportunity to be still and silent and patient.

    And that’s scary as all-get-out.

    I came into this time really rough around the edges, and needing healing in a few gaping-large places…so God has been wise in giving me the space here to press into those places. And it’s never easy, but when I try to frame it that way – in terms of God providing what I need, when I need it – it’s reason for gratitude.

    Gratitude (when I can manage it) is powerful for me, too. It has an “anchoring” effect on me; when I *don’t* make a conscious effort to embrace it, in fact, I’m liable to spin off in a thousand chaotic directions.

    Praying for you, friend…for rest and clarity.

    • that is beautiful Sonika! hoping your time in ireland is productive and that you find the rest that you need in your new place. thank you for your thoughtful and eloquent comment!

  3. A season of rest! Yes! Thank you for this. I have been fighting a season of rest for a while now, always trying to trudge on and make things happen. Unfortunately, what actually happens is that I get frustrated, I can’t complete what I set out to complete, and my family suffers for it. I think it is time for me to step back a bit and really see that it is ok to rest.

  4. Yes, God intends that we do “great and mighty things” …. and I believe He means that everything we do because of Him and in His name IS great and mighty. Like loving your hubs, raising your kids and teaching them God’s ways, helping your neighbor carry her groceries into the house or . Some will write books or run for political office or other big things – cetainly, great and mighty things – but definitely not greater or mightier than ordinary things done “as unto the Lord”!
    God has a plan and a purpose for each of us. And, seasons in which they are to flower. Contentment is living life in Christ with all our heart today. ♡

  5. I love this. I was just talking to a friend about seasons the other day. I am in a season of babies right now, but I hear that one day I will be in a season where I won’t be tired all the time. Looking forward to that.

    Hold on to that writing dream!

  6. I can relate! Thank you so much for posting this, Sarah. I don’t know about you, but I can get intimidated when I’m around others who seem to have “arrived” in their writing careers, and comparison is often a slide I’m half-way down before I even notice I’ve started. I’ll be praying this from now on, for God to make me fruitful, but only in my season. Surrender takes so much more strength than control…

  7. I can’t tell you how much I needed to read this today. I was driving my kids home from school and beating myself up for not doing more, being more. The days feel like I’m grasping sand – sliding through my fingers without much to show for it besides the grit left behind. So, I was praying on the way home and this is the first thing I read this morning. Thank you!

    • mmm. sometimes that grit is a good reminder of how hard we are actually working. hoping you can find rest in your season today, rosanne! thank you so much for commenting. =)

  8. Thank you so much for writing this post. I struggle continually with comparing myself to others. I am convinced that comparing is one of the devil’s biggest stronghold’s with women. I am trying to be diligent in trusting and resting in God’s word and his plan. This post was a refreshing reminder to rest in His mercy and grace. Thank you.

  9. Sarah, what a beautiful encouraging post! I’m STILL recovering from a broken foot and no one keeps my house like I do. Plus the kids are running wild. Thanks for your thoughtful words.

  10. yes, yes,YES! I’m in a season at the moment where God is stirring dreams. I’m sorting through them and figuring what to go ahead with and what to recognise is not the right season for just yet. It’s not always easy, there are some dreams I want to happen right now. I have to trust that when the time is right He will provide the means to make it happen. Thank you for sharing this. It reinforces what God has been teaching me.

  11. It’s refreshing to remember that in whatever season we are in that seasons change. However I love your words because we can stop and embrace the now. This season hasn’t taken God by surprise. This season is only beautiful in it’s time. By not fighting against it we embrace it’s beauty. That makes me 🙂 even through a season of healing…of mourning.

  12. Such a great reminder to enjoy this moment of my life- I’m currently on a work contract till March, with a rent contract till July, which could cause me to worry. However I’m determined to just enjoy God’s gifts to me during this time- a great boss, fab friends and an appartment in Paris. What would be the point of wasting the joy i could find from that?!

  13. I love, love, love this post today! In a season where so many things have changed for my family it was just what I needed to read this morning. Thank you Sarah for such great words of encouragement!

  14. your words have reached out to me this morning… i feel like i could have written them! It is true that I am not always content in my current “season” and compairing is my vice… but honestly, for once in my life, i am not looking for the next adventure or project. Could it be that this is supposed to be a season of rest for me too? a season where i can focus on smaller, closer things and not on faraway mountains to climb or carreer success? I want to embrace this season and hopefully rediscover God and his best for me….

  15. “It even might mean setting the project down for a few weeks or months to get a different perspective on it.” — THANK YOU for saying IT’S OKAY. I’m an artist, been painting for 15 years and thought by now I’d be a ‘successful’ artist. I’m tired of striving and getting ‘no where’. Tired of trying to market myself (huge introvert), blogging (I’m not a gifted writer), and making myself paint when there’s been nothing but a long dry-spell in my soul. Wondering if this is really the vocation God has for me or is it just my silly dream? How can I serve Him and others with paintings??? Still many many questions. Taking a break for a few months to see what happens in my heart, and am feeling a beginning to the melting of the frost. I’m so glad I read this post today. Thank you Sarah! You are exactly where you are supposed to be and we are all grateful you write about it! Thank you for sharing your heart.

  16. Sarah,
    What a delightful blog filled with encouragement for embracing the present season of our lives. Still learning to do that in my late 60’s. Still getting up each morning, spending time with the Lord and asking Him what his plans are for this day, this time, this season in my life. Thanks so much for sharing…

  17. Oh Sarah, you are always so wise! I appreciate the reminder that sometimes the season calls for rest. I’m going to sit with that for a while. I have to say, it feels really good. Can’t wait to meet you at Allume. 🙂

  18. Sarah, a wonderful post…The Lord has spoken to me so much through gardening…planting…harvesting. One thing I have had to embrace…planting new seeds in my life takes time to bear fruit. In this microwave society…I want planting a harvesting to instantaneous. Learning to trust in His love as He sends the sun, the rain and fertilizer to help my seeds grow. blessings as you plant in His Love~

  19. Mmm. I like the idea of a season of rest.

    With the kids starting school this year, I have “more” time, but if I step back it’s really just that I’m not overloaded anymore, and I have to reorient myself and my expectations, because I find myself (instinctively?) expecting to re-cram that time, and I want to recalibrate instead.

    To be at peace with resting and healing.

  20. As one who has been thru MANY seasons ( much better measure of age than the number)….I hope I can encourage you to ENJOY and SAVOR whatever season you are in…if we are always looking to what comes next we miss what God has for us….be present, keep record of Gods hand,the hard stuff,the little details,when you choose to obey and what happens when you let rebellion lead the way.Whatever season you find yourself in is Gods assignment for you. We have the opportunity to reflect His glory every moment and if we abide in Him….He will transform us!

  21. Oh, my. The fruit that is being watered and produced through you through this ‘writing’ could have greater impact than any large book that many of us may not be able to read at this point in life! An incredibly timely and specific word for this tired, perfectionistic Mom, wife, friend, daughter, sister. It is clear that God has been wooing me into a season of rest and for this instant-gratification, scared of being seen as lazy or not making the most of every opportunity means being busy false thinking, there is freedom!

  22. ~ nodding ~

    Yeah…this is the unspoken conversation we shoulda had the last time we were together; instead, I’m grateful for your encouragement now. Giving out of your void (or perceived void) is blessing to me and, I know, others.

  23. Thank you so much for this post! What an all-consuming, genuine blessing from the Lord today! I’ve been in a waiting period for many years, but the perspective of seasons (instead of “unknown durations”) is very refreshing. As I type that I laugh because people all around me use the term “season” constantly, but I realize maybe I tuned it out because I forgot to look for the fruit of each. Anyway, thank you so much. Be encouraged that although this post is not a book, it is a powerful word from God, and it matters!

    • yeah i know – “season” can be overused this time of the year.

      and thank you so much for your kind words, jaclyn!! thank you for encouraging ME! =)

  24. How good it was to see in print such a great reminder that it is HIS timing for the plans HE has for us. Today I was to read this and realize that I am just where HE wants me to be at this particular moment in my life in serving HIM. Pressures come from all around us, even from Christian friends, to constantly move forward at a pace or in a plan that is not God directed in His timing. Thank you for acknowledging you are where He wants you to be at this moment – a place that at present is reaching many who are reading your postings. Blessings

  25. Thank you for this. I find myself in the comparison trap far too often. Our only child was born a bit later to us, and most of our friends have bigger kids, while I stay at home with a 2-year-old. Seasons come and go, and while I sometimes struggle with this season, I know it will come and go all too quickly – and all those things that I want to do will still be there when Henry goes to school. Thanks for reminding me that I am not alone!

  26. Thank you… this was so timely! With homeschooling a middle schooler, a 5th grader and making time for a demanding toddler (I’m typing this one handed) I’ve been feeling like nothing is getting done and the changes I want to make for our health and future well being are taking much too long to implement … I need to re-evaluate my timing vs Gods timing!

  27. Sarah, this weekend I looked at a bookcase in our bedroom and started to count the number of authors whose books sat on those shelves whom I’ve met. Not the number of books (because there are multiples by the same author), but how many individual authors. The total was 22 from that one bookcase. I walked into another room and sat down at my desk and saw another book there and mentally added another one, 23. I mentioned this to my husband and he said, “Where’s yours?” or something like that. I appreciate his encouragement and belief in me, but I’m like you: there’s a season and it’s not right now. I would have to give up teaching outside classes (or maybe even teaching my own kids) and I’m not ready to do that right now.

    Love you, sister.

  28. Your words make so much sense to me! I’ve been having a hard time accepting the same thing you say: that I’m not really where I thought I would at this point in my life, but that doesn’t necessarily mean I’ve failed or that I’ve done something terribly wrong. Your words inspired me and gave me a lot to think about.

    Thank you!

  29. Sarah, very very well said. I’ve had to REALLY work through this in the last year or so as I’ve struggled with the fact that I’m not where I thought I’d be blogging by now (or done with the book I thought I’d be finished with as well). But, I spent the last 12 years working in full-time ministry and I couldn’t focus on the blog or the book the way I wanted to. As I’ve had to pray through this I’ve to really work through the fact that my time in full-time ministry was very fruitful and I have no doubt of the ways God used me powerfully during that time. I also happen to have loved that time and wouldn’t trade it for the world! Yet, I’ll catch myself beating myself up for not working harder on my bloggy/book dreams! AND I have a 2 & 6 yr. old so I’ve been doing that too…there’s just no good reason for me to feel badly about the seasons I’ve been in, and just like you said it’s been comparison & jealousy that have allowed Satan to lie to me. Anyway, such good truths and affirmation here. And one day, we will have our books written AND published…I just know it. =)

  30. Great article, Sarah. God has been whispering to my heart about being content and patient in my season as well. I don’t currently have a dream to write a book – but I do have other dreams that are yet unfulfilled.

    I know His timing is always perfect. And more importantly, HIS plan is better than my own. If I can relinquish my own pride and ambition and trust in Him – I can serve Him better with a more contented and fulfilled heart.

  31. “Comparison will steal your passion, chase away your joy and kill your soul…” Sarah, I cannot even begin to tell you how much this post spoke to me. I am sitting right now in a windowless office full of paper and the mess and tears of peoples lives. And I am struggling with being productive because I want to be somwhere else… instead of where God has placed me.

    I have a yearning to write and to write well and to spend all of my free time writing my blog (a book??? I can hope). I am frustrated that I only have time to post once/week and then this… “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither — whatever they do prospers.” So thank you… just thank you for reminding me that I am in His season – so I continue with the gifts that He has so generously bestowed upon me and not fret about more…because really? How could my “more” even begin to measure up to God’s.

  32. Oh this is just exactly what I needed to hear today, Sarah. Exactly. Thank you so much. I seem to be in a few seasons all at once… is that possible? Babies to pre-teens with a book gushing in my head (and only sprinkling onto paper). Your thoughts are just the encouragement I needed today. Bless you for your words that have blessed so many here today!

  33. I don’t have to struggle with the season I am.

    I don’t have to struggle with the season I am. Neither do you. Or you. Or you!

    🙂 God is good, God is big, God loves us.

    Thanks, Sarah.

  34. I am grateful for your honesty. I can relate to a lot of your posts. In this post I can relate to being uncomfortable around others who you feel are successful in ways you would like, because I often find myself feeling the same way. I wonder why I can’t seem to find my spiritual gift and use it or why my kids have struggles with their health. During difficult times in my life, it is so easy to compare and feel self-pity. I have been through many trials with my kids and their health and recently had one of my kids diagnosed with epilepsy. I feel grateful to have read your blog today. My mom shared it. It reminded me that this is a season in my life. God allows seasons for many different reasons, but I need to trust in Him and His perfect plan. I want to praise Him for this season. I know God is using your words to speak into my heart today. I pray God can use it to turn me closer to Him. I will pray for you, for your heart and that God will above all else rise in this season of your life.

    • i’m so sorry for your current struggles, sara.

      I will be praying that this season is one of rest and trust for you! thank you so much for your kind and sweet comment =)

  35. Thank you for the encouragement! I understand that I am in a season of small children (3 children under 4 and another one coming), but I struggle with helping our minister understand this season as they had no children and are currently old enough to be my grandparents. I find myself wishing that my seasons would change so that the pressure to be more involved at church would stop, but wanting to enjoy the seasons because they are only going to happen once in my life. I need all the encouragement that I can get because it then might start to drown out the discouragement which often speaks so loud. Thank you again!

    • i say: take a break from the things that pull you away from your family. don’t let church be a “pressure”. it should be something that is joy-filled and hopeful. not full of dread and to-do lists. but that’s just me. =)

      hoping you find rest and joy in this busy season, kylie! =)

  36. Couldn’t have written it any better. I find myself using the word, “season” a lot and working on re-learning the rhythm of life that has nothing to do with post-it notes, iMessage or checklists. Thank you for letting me (and many others) see that we are not the only ones struggling with these feelings. XO

  37. Thank you for reminding me to GIVE THANKS, see the BLESSINGS in MY life, and that it’s okay to BE STILL. I tend to always be looking ahead and missing the moment. The seasons. And the reasons that this thing called life is a great and wonderful gift!

  38. I can relate so much to this post I am certainly not where I though I would be. But what has left me a little sad after reading this was when you wrote

    “A few months ago I wrote a lengthy email to some trusted people in my life asking them for specific advice. It went something like this: If you could run my life (so to speak) what would you have me do about this ____. The answers that came back were varied, insightful and generally amazing. It helped plant some seeds in me for this next season.”

    This hurt my heart because I don’t have those trusted people in my life. When I was little I prayed for a best friend and yes I know have a wonderful husband but a trusted girlfriend I haven’t.

    • i’m so sorry, Sara. I didn’t mean to make you sad at all. I will be praying for you and hoping with you today as God brings you good people to trust and to love you.

    • To lovely Sara…..Please do not be sad. God has sent to you a “wonderful husband”, and that is such a blessing to have (Mine passed away 4 years ago). God sends us people when He sees we need them the most. He sent to you your husband. May God keep on blessing you, Sara.

  39. I have had a busy busy fall season of life, between work and taking care of aging dad, with many health issues. Sometimes I wonder what kind of harvest I’m leaving behind. Am I doing enough for the Kingdom?

    Yesterday my dad told me I was his “right arm” and the “best and prettiest” thing he’d seen all day. He expressed thanks for All I’ve done to take care of him–even putting him on prayer list at church–the people have sent cards to him. He really appreciates it all! I believe this is my calling right now–prayer & looking after dad.
    I did my best helpign with mom’s lingering illness–now it’s turn 2 to help him.

    I can’t wait for the day/time of Rest and relaxation! I know God will give it to me in due time!

    Great great post!

  40. Thank you for your message. My season of illness and thus enforced rest has seemed to last most of my life. Today I am in bed ,once again enforced rest, but I understand the rest in accepting this is the season for today for the moment and I do not fret about it as much as I used to. I have fretted a lot lately feeling things have passed me by that I thought I would have accomplished by now. It is hard to accept. However your message of my season for these things being not now helps a lot because God knows and if God wants me to accomplish certain things and have certain things in my life they will come. The season has just not come when I thought it would. One thing I have found in this season of my life which surprised me was the starting of my blog and this has been such a hope and help to me through other peoples blogs and comments, connections made. Thank you and blessings.

  41. I so needed to hear this…
    I have been struggling with where I am at right now. Oddly enough, it is exactly where I have always wanted to be, absolutely an answer to prayer. I am married to the man of my dreams, moved to a beautiful state that it’s sunny all the time, and I work part-time. However, going from being a career woman to now only working part-time and now taking care of the home is a huge change. And instead of being in awe of the answer to praying and full of gratitude I am left feeling funny and feel the need to explain every job I have ever done when people ask what I do. I need to claim this new season because it is a blessing! I don’t want to miss out on this blessing – I need to think less and thank more. AMEN! Thanks girl. 😉

  42. I cannot wait to read your book one day! Your thoughts put into words have blessed my life. My husband and I are going through this time together of seasons and patience. God has put a seed of purpose inside of us and we see the tiny roots forming. We are excited but careful to protect our dream from trying to come about too soon. Your blog today was further whispers from the Spirit to prepare and nurture.

  43. thank you Sarah for the encouraging post! 🙂
    I agree with this “God wants us to do great and mighty things for Him and He’s called us to listen and obey Him in this. “

  44. Thia article was just really what I needed to read today. I think sometimes I wonder where I might have made “a wrong turn” to get to where I am on any particular day/time of my life. And, then I read this article you have written that reminds me that it is good because this is where I am supposed to be ….. because this is where God has placed me for now. Thank you for reminding me of that.

  45. Oh my! This was exactly what I needed to read this morning! I am struggling a lot with my season–very tired with the very young kiddos–but this is so helpful in remembering that it is a season. God created me “for such a time as this” and there are many fruits of this season I can enjoy…thank you for this reinforcement!

  46. This is wonderful encouragement for me. I can say I am going through a season indeed. I have struggled for ten years with my charity organisation. There were times I used to feel that I have gone nowhere after all the effort and the time. It was as if everytihng had just been wasted.I had it all figured out how things would look like after ten years. But everything seems to be the opposite of what I had pictured in mind.
    And then I spent six years investing millions in something thinkink it would produce a lot of friut only to realise I had investeed in the wrong thing and all the millions lost. I didn’t know whether to fall sick or do what and I just fell on your article. It is a season of my life indeed. Thank you so much for yàour article. It will help me to recover faster

  47. Oh my…I just read your Oct 15 Four Ways to Make the Most of Your Season.
    The tears just streamed down my face. You described me and it hit my heart, and
    it was the hope and encouragement that I needed! I have always known somehow that I would writ and I’ve also had a prophetic word given to me about it several years ago. I have held onto those prophetic words, but still haven’t written yet. I have three boys I’m raising, a part-time job and my husband and I have a business. During my desperate times of crying out to the Lord asking when will I be able to write I could hear Him whisper “not yet” or “wait”. Of course, many times I have thought that I missed what He wanted me to do because I wasn’t obedient about taking time to write. He will remind me that He has been using this time to teach me and prepare me. Yet in the daily grind, my heart longs to accomplish that which has been in my heart so long. It is so very sweetly comforting to read what you wrote and have such a confirmation for myself of my “waiting time”. It has really touched my heart. Thank you. God bless you and give you His peace.