WRITTEN BY CHERYL WELLS

Are you wondering what comes next in your life? People often come to me in difficult seasons, looking for direction. I would never claim to have all the answers or assume it is my place to choose their path. But I do believe this: we need to slow down and pay attention. Clarity seldom comes when we are rushing, chasing every open door, or trying to escape a hard place. Growth and change are never easy, but they require us to 1) stay present, 2) remain willing, and 3) confront what we need to see and do—even when it feels impossible.

STAY PRESENT

What I hear most often is, “I just have to figure this out.” But staying present is really about slowing down enough to listen and notice what is happening around you and within you. Journaling can be a helpful practice, so make time to sit, reflect, and write about whatever comes to mind. The things that need attention will keep surfacing. Rather than pushing them away, ask God to help you remain present with Him and wait for insight. Reflection often brings clarity. Trying to figure out and control will lead to confusion and anxiety.

REMAIN WILLING

Insight often comes through reflection, but only when we are willing to be uncomfortable and notice what may be hard to see or hear. Over the years, I have had many difficult conversations with people about whether they were open to receiving input and doing the work of personal growth. That willingness is the starting point for progress. Once we acknowledge that something may need attention or may be holding us back, the next steps often begin to surface. Growth requires a mindset that is willing to face what is true and not deny the obvious.

CONFRONT WHAT SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE

At times, what we must confront is our own fear of growth and the need to take the next step, even when it initially appears impossible. Throughout the years, I have had to examine my leadership honestly and consider how I could continue to grow, learn, and take on responsibilities I had never faced before. I also had to recognize areas of pride and personal limitation. Eventually, I understood that investing in my own development was necessary. On more than one occasion, I had to acknowledge that certain efforts were not working and that, in some situations, the timing was not right. There were also matters I did not initially see clearly; when they were brought to my attention, I resisted and denied them. Over time, however, I became willing to engage in the difficult work and perseverance required for meaningful character growth.

The process has been deeply worthwhile. When we take the time to learn, we are better able to live from the growth that develops within us. Even in this later season of my life, I continue to encounter challenges that require patience, discernment, and the willingness to take the next right step. My hope is that we can face what lies ahead with humility and anticipation, trusting that meaningful growth will continue to shape and serve us well.