When Quitting is the Right Thing to Do
“Quitting the right things
is the right thing to do
to position yourself rightly for the next season.
”
The anthem ringing through the season of COVID in all of our ears is ‘don’t give up’ as we all wait to step on to the bridge that will take us to the other side of this uncertain and fearful season.
None of us want to go down without a fight. We are hanging on to our sanity (some of us just barely) in the following ways:
Staying connected relationally to important people – online and socially distancing
Staying healthy physically by moving as much as we can, eating well and sleeping well
Staying emotionally healthy by focusing on God’s truth in the face of shifting realities of media and politics and justice
Staying spiritually connected to life-giving sources of edification – daily Bible reading, church and other conferences online, reflecting, journaling and meditative prayer
These are things we should never quit.
However there are some things that we should quit. Right now. As soon as possible.
Quitting the right things is the right thing to do
to position yourself rightly for the next season.
Because there is a next season, and it is right around
the corner, waiting for you to step into it,
confident and healthy.
Quitting is the right thing to do in the following ways:
Judging yourself for seeing and believing things differently than the world around you sees it.
Sometimes you have been given a special revelation, or insight for your particular circumstance. Resist the urge to give in to group think or conforming to everyone else’s opinion.
Rather, Romans 12:2 reminds us of this: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
Staying connected to projects or initiatives that no longer fit your life or season.
Your life call or vision doesn’t need to be altered. Your values – what you are prepared to live and die for, are not what you need to quit. But you may have to quit strategies, or a rhythm of life that is no longer working for you. What do you need to quit that is no longer working for you? What can you begin that will prepare you for life beyond the pandemic?
Judging yourself for not being in your ministry or career or even ‘momming’ where others are at this time.
The pandemic has caused change for everyone in different ways. Simplify your life and right size your expectations. Your pace is fine for you and your current situation. As long as I you are moving forward, your speed is not the priority. Take care of your people in the way only you can.
Caring so much what others think about you and your decisions—focus more on what God thinks of you and your choices; after all you are allowing Him to direct your steps.
Some of us need more time of quiet and reflection. Some of us need more activity to energize us and keep us going. The key is obedience to the pace and productivity that you sense God is calling you to.
Worrying about how small your inner circle of friends is.
Be okay with quality rather than quantity.
You need friends that will call you up and not keep you down.
You see, I am a quitter, and in quitting these things, I have found peace in becoming the woman God wants me to be.
Some things have a ‘best before’ date on them for a reason.
They weren’t meant to last a lifetime, or even into the next season.
You can be a quitter and be at peace too! Look to spend some time alone with God for him to clearly speak into your life and tell you what to continue to pursue and what you need to let go.
Some things have an expiration date on them for a reason; they weren’t meant to last a lifetime. And other things you do are for eternity. Know the difference and be at peace with your decision, God has a new season waiting for you beyond this one.
Quit the good for the better.
I believe in you.
Cathie