Setting Godly Expectations: Navigating Fall with Faith

As the summer days start to wane and the scent of pumpkin spice fills the air, moms everywhere are gearing up for a new season: fall. With the changing of leaves and the return to school routines, this time of year brings a unique set of challenges and opportunities. How can we, as mothers and women of faith, set reasonable expectations for ourselves and our families as we enter this new season? In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of setting expectations in line with God’s Word and how doing so allows us to rely on Him alone, partnering with the Spirit in what He is doing in our kids’ lives.

1. Embrace the Seasonal Shift:
   Fall marks a transition from the carefree days of summer to a more structured and routine-oriented time. It’s crucial to recognize that seasons change, and our lives follow suit. Just as God designed seasons in nature, He also designed seasons in our lives. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Embrace the changing season and its unique opportunities for growth.
2. Seek God’s Guidance:
   As you enter the fall season, take time to seek God’s guidance through prayer and studying His Word. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” By aligning your expectations with God’s will, you can trust in His plan for your family and your life. You can let yourself off the hook of expectations by seeking God’s agenda ahead of your own.
3. Prioritize Family and Faith:
   In the busyness of fall activities, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. You will never regret spending time with your children, nurturing their faith, and teaching them about God’s character — and growing in your faith yourself! All of the other stuff will either get done eventually or won’t get done, and that will be okay, too! Deuteronomy 6:6-7 encourages us, “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
4. Set Realistic Goals:
   Rather than overloading your schedule with activities, set realistic goals for the fall season. It’s better to focus on a few meaningful activities or commitments rather than spreading yourself too thin. Proverbs 21:5 reminds us, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” Seek God’s wisdom in setting your priorities and expectations. Trust him with your schedule and routines. He cares more about the kind of person you are as you do all these things than the agenda items on your schedule.
5. Trust in God’s Provision:
   Finally, as you navigate fall, remember that you don’t have to rely solely on your own strength. Trust in God’s provision and partner with the Holy Spirit in raising your children. Philippians 4:13 declares, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” When you align your expectations with God’s Word, you can rely on Him to provide the strength and guidance you need.

As fall approaches, set godly expectations for yourself and your family. Embrace the changing season, seek God’s guidance, prioritize your roles as a mother and a woman of faith, set realistic goals, and trust in God’s provision. By doing so, you’ll not only navigate this season with grace but also partner with the Spirit in what He is doing in your kids’ lives. Fall can be a time of growth, both for your family and your faith, when your expectations align with God’s Word.