July 17, 2026
The middle of summer has a funny way of reminding us that change is coming. The way we experience that change depends on the season of life we’re in.
For parents of school-aged kids, it’s that time when you shift from family vacations, endless evenings of sports activities, and the nonstop pace of summer to thinking about what is needed for the beginning of the coming school year. For young adults, an internal countdown can bring feelings of fear and anxiety as they face new beginnings or prepare to leave someone they love behind while starting the next chapter of life in a new place. For adults whose school days are in the past, this timeline may not cause the same emotional response, but there is a definite shift in our families and communities as they begin planning for the next season.
So, where am I going with this? We all know change is inevitable. What we often forget is that transition affects every heart differently. We must be willing to recognize the emotional challenges that either we are going through or that someone else is facing during these moments. The Book of Ecclesiastes tells us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…” (Ecc 3:1). Still, we all deal with transition differently. This is why mercy for one another becomes so important.
We often assume everyone experiences change the way we do. Nothing could be further from the truth. Just because we are strong enough to get through life-changing situations or deal with change better than others doesn’t mean we shouldn’t extend grace to those who are struggling with what lies before them. Whether it is the end of summer, the loss of a job, a broken friendship, a struggle with faith, or even the death of a loved one, these experiences affect each of us differently. This is why God gives us one another—to help fill the internal void or heal the wounds created by life’s changes.
Yes, some of the situations we face might seem silly, while others can be earth-shattering for everyone involved, but how we are comforted and supported during those times can make all the difference in the world. Instead of telling people, “You know what I would do,” or “Just relax,” let’s choose an approach that lets them know we are on their team. Instead, let the words out of our mouths be, “How can I help?” Whether they simply need a hand to hold or you find yourself inside a Walmart at midnight trying to find the perfect backpack, they will remember how you made them feel when fear was in their heart. People may forget what season of life they were in, but they’ll never forget who stood beside them while they walked through it. Be that person.
People may forget what season of life they were in, but they will remember how you made them feel when fear found its way into their heart. Be that person.
Posted by Greg Wasinski
