In Between It All

In Summer of 2008, I cut my hair off. I went from locks that hit my shoulders to learning how to taper the back of my neckline. It was a drastic change that I thought I was ready to handle- although I had no experience with short hair. All my life, I had a decent length of hair. After my hairdresser reluctantly cut a great majority of my hair off, I felt so free! So light! So…new!

A new hair cut is great. The bad part comes during that “in between” phase. It’s the phase where you have decided that you want your long hair back. So, you have to grow that short pixie cut out. And, let me tell you from experience… IT. SUCKS.

During the “in between” phase, you are doing all you can to create some kind of decent hairstyle from the mess growing on your head. And, I had never been so disturbed to be a hair-owner in my life. In my attempt to save what little bit of reputation I had from my original hair, I got desperate. Yep. Quick weave, braids, large gobs of gel, and the ever-faithful beanie cap… I did it all. All in an effort to relieve myself from the weight of confusion derived from “The In-Between Phase.” And, as painful as it was, I (just like Gloria Gaynor) survived.

(*swings new and improved hair side to side)

Growing your hair back is not only dreadful because its aesthetically un-pleasing to the eye. It is dreadful because in your mind, you know how your hair could look at its best. You see its potential in your mind even though your reality sucks. So, you’re anxious to enjoy what you know you’re capable of. Anxious for your vision to become a reality.

Anxious for change.

Well, think about it. How much of our life do we feel like we’re spending in “The In-Between Phase”? We’ve experienced new and exciting things. But, now those things have become old and we are ready for something different.

We are in-between. Not where we used to be. But, definitely not where we want to be.

Don’t get me wrong. Not everyone feels this way. Many people live a mediocre-styled life and tolerate it. (Notice I didn’t say “enjoy it.”) They’re okay with working a ho-hum job while living a ho-hum life with a ho-hum spouse, some ho-hum children, and a ho-hum dog. They don’t want more. They have settled into settling. (Let’s call this family The Ho-Hums.)

While The Ho-Hum’s biggest concern is what Ho-Hum will walk their ho-hum dog during their favorite show, The Price is Right, you are thinking of a Master Plan. You have done exciting things in life. But, now those exciting things are being ho-hum-ish. So, it’s time for change. Unlike The Ho-Hums, you eyes burn with passion every time you see your dreams at night and your heart skips a beat every time you see someone doing something even close to what you desire to do.

You have passion, drive, and a plan to change everything around you. But, you’re stuck.

The job won’t hire you, your money is acting funny, you don’t have the proper team to help, etc. Whatever the reason, you are stuck. You are currently in “The In-Between.” Yep, you. You with all your degrees, supportive reference letters, graduating honor cords, well-known family, and popularity. You. Are. Stuck. And, it doesn’t feel good at all. You are stuck between your years of preparation and the anticipated future promised to you during your preparation.

Example: You went to college to get a high-paying job that you love in business. Yet, you’re working at US Cellular as a sales associate.

I know because I’m there. But, there is something so fabulous about “The In-Between.” It’s the secret about “The In-Between” that many people miss… you ready to hear it?

(*does a drum roll) During “The In-Between” phase of life, God is still there!

I know it looks desolate and dreary. But, the exciting thing about this time is that the God I serve is here with me. He sees my dreams. He hears my prayers. He collects my tears. And, He made me (and you) a promise that I would be able to live an abundant life. So, even though it’s only His word I have, I’m hanging on to it like my seat on a rollercoaster!

God promised me in His word that He would never leave me nor forsake me. He hears the prayers of the righteous and they avail much. He will restore everything that the cankerworm ate up and my strength. He will lead me and guide me through paths of righteousness. He sent His Son that I might have life- abundant life! And, He rewards those that diligently (and exhaustively) seek Him.

He is not shocked that we would get bored with life. That’s why there are seasons. Seasons of rejoicing and seasons of grieving. Seasons of laughter and seasons of crying. Seasons of growth and seasons of drought. But, in every season, we must be grateful and ready.

He says be instant (or ready) in-season and out-of-season. He knew there would be an out-of-season and he has prepared us for that. It is nothing but the season of stillness and quiet.

It is when nothing is disturbing us that we should be seeking the face of God. It is a time of spiritual preparation for what we will have to face when our dreams start to come true. Because, believe me, with dreams comes hardship.

But, be ready because when your “In-Between” season is over, you’ll more than likely wish for some quiet days. Those will be the times when you have to stand on what you gained during your off-season.

So, yeah, today looks boring. But, look out tomorrow! Because even if tomorrow is still an “In-Between” day, I will be patient and rejoice because I’m not alone! Yeah. God is the God of the beginning and end but, He is also the God of "The In-Between." He is there. And as exciting as He is, there really is no such thing as an “In-Between” day or phase. Every day His mercies are new. And, I’m thankful for that.


-bnc