What I Learned Then Still Encourages Me Now

Inside: Reading through quarterly “What I Learned” posts brings back poignant memories and highlights realizations that come during hard seasons. ~

Years ago, I wrote a quarterly blog post called What I Learned. It was a great way to look back at the previous season and take stock of the lessons that flowed from whatever was going on at the time.

I stopped doing this in 2020, probably because the blog linkup featuring the same name ended that year. But it’s always interesting to click the link when one of these posts shows up in the Related section at the bottom of my weekly blog.

When I noticed this one recently, I decided to take a deep dive into the whole series. What exactly did I learn over the years? Did those lessons hold up?

Just the Facts

Some of the seasonal takeaways were strictly factual. For example, I learned I have a small head (during Covid, when I struggled mightily to find a mask that fit comfortably).

My daughter Molly and I learned how to make Japanese steamed dumplings (it’s much easier than I thought). I learned about Cicada Killer Wasps (they are as horrifying as they sound), and that Jan Karon started writing the beloved Mitford series when she was 50 years old.

During an especially busy time, I also learned that lists are a great summer blogging strategy. (I wish I would have remembered that this year, but that’s a story for another day.)

Comforting Reminders

As I perused these old posts quarter by quarter, I discovered lessons and memories relating to specific events—some happy, many unexpected and heartbreaking—that reminded me of God’s goodness, faithfulness and sovereignty.

Seasons change, but He does not. It’s a truth that holds us fast, come what may.

This week, I thought it would be fun to share some highlights from these past posts. What I learned from What I Learned, if you will.

The original pieces include additional commentary with each point, but here, I’ll just include the primary takeaways.

Without Further Ado …

• Making progress in one area can help you make progress in others areas.

• It’s OK to abandon unfinished projects.

• If you like blingy shoes, you should buy blingy shoes.

• There’s comfort in order.

• Our happiness should not depend on someone else’s mood.

• When people inspire us, we need to tell them.

• Friendships among people who share a love of books and reading are among the best friendships of all.

• A burden shared is a burden lifted.

• When you have every reason to believe the upcoming season is going to be easy (or at least easier than it was the previous year), don’t hold on to that expectation too tightly.

• As a parent, you stop worrying about making the most of teachable moments when all of life becomes a teachable moment.

• The build-up to a Very Big Thing can seem more stressful, emotional or difficult than the actual thing.

• When you pray and ask God to show you what you need to see, He does.

• When you’re all out of words, it’s OK not to say anything at all.

• Understanding from someone who was once where you are is a rare and precious gift.

• • •

There you have it—what I learned from What I Learned. Maybe someday I’ll start doing quarterly posts like this again. In the meantime, I’d love to know which of these points resonates with you during this season of your life.

♥ Lois

P.S. I’m linking up this week with #tellhisstory, InstaEncouragements, Let’s Have Coffee and Grace & Truth.