The Endless Season Ends
Hawaii has been my land of perpetual summer. The season stretches on and, though beautiful, it often leaves me feeling like I’m stuck in a sort of perpetual limbo. Flowers bloom year round, waves continue their rhythmic crash onto the shore, and the traffic is never clear. Nothing changes except the people around me.
This perpetual season has been a season of pain. I have said goodbye to more friends than I care to count. I’ve been to the emergency room for the first time in my life. Then for the second. Then I had surgery. All whilst my husband was deployed. The recovery, confusion, ache, and infertility diagnosis that followed left me disillusioned with the beauty of the sunshine.
But this place has also grown and stretched me in ways I didn’t anticipate. I’ve made friends with people from all over the world and in every stage of life. Some of the most courageous women I know have taken me under their wing and shown me what it means to love for better or worse. Writing and opening up about the good and the broken parts of my life has allowed me to find my voice and to rejoice in God’s goodness through every stage. I’ve fallen more deeply in love with the man that I married. Dreams have died here but many new dreams have also been birthed. While circumstances have been vastly different than we imagined, we’ve started a beautiful life together.
And now that life is moving into its next stage.
As military life has taught me, the only thing IÂ can plan on is a change of plan. It was probably silly to think I’d be on this island until next spring, but that was what I’d been building my life around. Now, that is all changing.
This fall, I’ll be making my way once again across an ocean and a continent to my home state of Michigan. Only this time, I’m going to stay put for awhile. The ending of my endless Hawaii season is bittersweet. While I am sad to leave friends and the places I’ve come to love behind, I am so grateful for the unexpected opportunity to live so close to family again. With all of the challenges these last few years have brought, there is comfort in finding the familiar once again.
As is fitting, I will be arriving right as the summer closes as fall makes its way to the mitten. Prepare for pictures of changing leaves and snow.
The Comments
Heather
I am sure God will carry you through wherever you go. I am excited to see this new season of life for you and since I have lived in the South my entire life and never actually seen snow, I am looking forward to seeing a wintery wonderland through you! Good luck with everything!
Bailey
HeatherThank you, Heather. I am certain that He is going before me and leading a way. I promise to post lots of icy pictures.
Richmond Nash
Whoa! Touched my heart! You are a wonderful writer. Keep it up!
Bailey
Richmond NashThank you, Richmond!
ashlyn rugh
“the only thing I can plan on is a change of plan”
Oh I know that feeling all to well! I live in Hawai’i also but once the military decides that we are done here we are back off to the mainland. It is such a bittersweet feeling, people move so much from here, but the land really does give you a warming feeling. Hawai’i never leaves you, I can say that for a fact. Good luck in your next adventure!
Bailey
ashlyn rughThe military seems to always do things that contradict their initial plan! I am so grateful for the time they gave us here though. I hope you’ve enjoyed your time as well.
Verna
Where will you be living?? Then it will be endless winter. Just saying MICHIGAN winter. Ugh!
Bailey
VernaVerna, Michigan winter is my favorite season! I am a weird one, but I love the cold and the snow.
Lisa
This is so beautifully written! I understand the mixed emotions, but living near family as you’re going through this season of your life sounds very much like God looking out for you!
Bailey
LisaI am amazed at how He has coordinated this opportunity. I thought it would be years before I was near family again but now it’s been dropped in my lap. He is good.
Lauren C. Moye
One of my cousins lived in Hawaii for a time. She still speaks fondly of her time there. I will be praying for you as you start a new season in your life.
Bailey
Lauren C. MoyeThank you for your prayers, Lauren. They are much needed. Even good transition is never easy.
Jennifer
Beautiful pictures! I pray you blessing as you move on to a new season!
Bailey
JenniferJennifer, thank you! I promise many more luscious Hawaiian pictures before I leave.
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