When Life Shifts Gears: Finding Grace in a New Season

There’s something about August—it doesn’t shout for attention, but it stirs things. Maybe it’s the mix of blistering heat and school supplies. Maybe it’s the way summer starts fading, but the schedule picks up steam. For me, August feels like a gear shift—a moment when life shifts gears and you realize God is calling you into something new.

And lately? I’ve been feeling that shift in my own life.

This blog has been the space where I pour out encouragement, share routines and recipes, and open my heart in the middle of chaos. But God’s been stretching me in new ways. Between launching the podcast, expanding Macon Sweet Farms, and preparing for a new homeschool year, I feel the terrain changing beneath my feet—and the Lord whispering, “Shift.”

When Life Shifts Gears Spiritually

I’ve been thinking about water lately. Still water—untouched, unmoved—grows murky. It collects debris, turns green, and eventually breeds algae. Why? Because it lacks movement.

I don’t want my spirit to stagnate like that. I don’t want to become still in the places where God is asking me to keep moving. Even when the days are full, the to-do list is long, or the unexpected hits (like a sick kid, a ministry opportunity, or a last-minute detour), I want to stay in motion with Him.

Because movement—when led by the Lord—brings life.

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
—Isaiah 43:18–19 (NIV)

When the Gears Don’t Shift Smoothly

If you’ve ever driven a stick shift (hello, my little 5-speed!), you know that staying in first gear will only get you so far. If you don’t shift, you’ll stall—or worse, blow the engine. But shifting gears isn’t always smooth. Sometimes you grind a little. Sometimes you lurch.

Sometimes you cry in the parking lot of your local grocery store because the day’s been too much and your dinner’s still frozen. (Not that I’m speaking from experience or anything…)

But here’s the truth: growth comes in the shifting. God doesn’t just call us to sit safely in neutral. He invites us to move—to trust Him in the transitions, to follow Him into new seasons.

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”
—Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)

Answering the Call When Life Shifts Gears

This shifting isn’t just practical—it’s spiritual. I feel it in our church. In the atmosphere. We’re on the verge of revival, and it’s not just something we’re waiting for—it’s something we’re being prepared for.

There are people hurting all around us. And as followers of Christ, we can’t afford to stay comfortable. We’re called to carry the gospel—not keep it to ourselves.

Have you talked to your neighbor lately? Or the cashier at the grocery store? That teenage clerk at the gas station? These everyday interactions might just be holy ground.

We don’t have time to be stagnant. The world needs believers who are willing to shift gears—willing to step out, speak up, and serve where it matters.

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
—Mark 16:15 (KJV)

Finding Grace When Life Shifts Gears

Maybe you’re in a shifting season, too. Maybe you’re starting something new, or letting go of something that’s ended. Maybe you’re in between gears and it feels a little bumpy.

I want you to know—it’s okay to wobble. To feel unsure. To not have it all mapped out.

Because God does. And He gives grace for the gear shift.

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
—2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

Before You Go…

If you’re feeling the shift—physically, emotionally, spiritually—I’m right there with you. Let’s walk this new season together with grace, grit, and faith.

Whether you’re getting ready for a new homeschool year, diving into a new job, stepping into ministry, or just trying to make it through August—I pray you feel the hand of God guiding your every step.

Let’s keep moving. Let’s keep shifting. Let’s stay surrendered to the One who knows the road ahead.

Remember, I’m always praying for you, even if I don’t know who you are!

📅 Want more encouragement for the journey?
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📝 Join the conversation: What season are you shifting into right now? I’d love to hear in the comments below.

Hey there! I’m Susan Raynor, the voice behind Makin’ Macon. As a pastor’s wife, mom of two, and homeschooling mama, my life is full of beautiful chaos—and I wouldn’t have it any other way! Here on the blog, I love sharing a little bit of everything: from faith-filled encouragement to frugal living tips, and of course, recipes that will make your family’s hearts (and bellies) happy. My goal is to bring a smile to your face and a bit of peace to your day, no matter what kind of craziness life throws your way. Let’s navigate this wild ride together, finding joy and laughter even in the messiest moments.

Susan Raynor