Take Time for Renewal

Take Time for Renewal

by

 Aya Fubara Eneli, M.A., J.D.

To everything there is a season. Time to sow, time to reap. Time to laugh and time to mourn. Time to work and time to rest. Unfortunately, many of us have neglected the fact that the “Principle of Time and Seasons” applies to our lives as well. We subject ourselves to dire consequences when we ignore this principle.

Spring time is a time of renewal in nature. All around us we see signs of new growth. Trees bud again. Birds build nests and lay their eggs. Life blooms in vivid colors. But what about the state of your life? Are there any visible signs of renewal?

Are you exhibiting signs of new growth spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally, or are you pretty much stagnated? Oprah once said,  “I believe that when you stop renewing and are no longer open to change and the possibilities that continually unfold, you stop being alive and are just getting through the years.”

Women, in particular, fall prey to the syndrome of just getting through the years. Many are focused from birth on being wives, mothers and nurturers. We devote the best of our years to building and nurturing families and careers. Many experience guilt whenever they choose to take time and resources for their own needs. We essentially buy into the notion that we are exempt from the need for renewal.

But ignoring a need does not negate the importance and effects of that need. When we choose not to take time to renew our minds, we become stale and less effective. Vibrant, intelligent beings morph into craters of criticism and regret. When we choose to neglect the renewal of our bodies through proper exercise and good nutrition, our muscles atrophy, our frames shrink, the light fades from our eyes and we begin to embody death instead of life.

When we choose to ignore the need for spiritual renewal, we set ourselves up as proverbial whipping posts for every misery-inducing thought. We lose wisdom and discernment. Hope dries up in us even as a pond in the desert. We begin to believe that life has no meaning and no purpose, after all.

Take stock of your life today. Are you in a state of renewal or dying prematurely? The great news for us all, is that as long as we have breath and the willingness to change, we can transform our lives. We are intelligent beings with the power of choice.

Years ago, I learned the importance of renewal. I had just experienced a miscarriage and I decided to take time off from work and even my family responsibilities. Leaving my son and husband, I went away for a full week just to clear my head. I spent time at a friend’s home getting extra rest, reading books I enjoyed, listening to music, meditating on God’s word, and eating fresh well-prepared meals. The result is that I came home more focused,
healthier, happier, and more at peace with myself. My husband has supported my
mini-sabaticals ever since.

Are you in need of renewal? Take the time now. Your life depends on it.

Join Aya at the Women’s Abundant Life Retreat on May 3-5, 2012 in Belton, Texas. For more information, email info@ayaeneli.com or visit  www.ayaeneli.com Aya Fubara Eneli is a best-selling author, life coach, motivational speaker and columnist.