Thoughts on the Seasons

A few random thoughts on the seasons.

I looked across the valley this morning and just knew that summer had really arrived. The warm sun and the evening showers have brought out a profusion of wild flowers on the hillside opposite. Despite the effects of global warming, God's seasons continue; seasons that are designed to promote life and abundance on the earth.

This made me think of the 'seasons' we grow through. We start as babies and pass through toddler hood, childhood, teen and progress through life's stages to older age and inevitably, death. This process is God-given and involves continual change and provided we cooperate in the transition, each stage can be a blessing. Unfortunately some of us miss out or get stuck somewhere along the line. There are those we know, who say they missed out on childhood and I certainly faltered somewhere in my teens. As we get older, some of us may even try to buck the trend and act as if we were still in the first flush of youth, rather than go with the divine flow. Hence the popularity of some forms of cosmetic surgery.

The problem is that if we miss out on a stage or try to alter the natural course of things, sooner or later we can experience adverse effects, emotionally, mentally. physically or spiritually.

I feel this is where God's seasons for our individual lives come into play. I believe God pre-arranges or allows times in our lives that are to our advantage, to enable us to flourish, blossom and heal. This is understandable when the sun shines and everything seems to be going fine. We feel good and it is easier to give thanks. But what about the dry periods or what we call the 'hard times?' Surely, even these are allowed for a purpose?

If you are like me, you may be tempted to enjoy life when all seems rosy and give less regard to using the time to build your relationship with God. I sometimes need a catalyst to make me move on and grow up with God; so when the dry times come along, I am forced to dig deep to find the life-giving water that flows from Jesus. That's when we discover that the deserts and wildernesses of life can be the most productive. We need those 'rocky' times, some of us more than others.

I believe the key is to accept and embrace each season of our lives and cooperate with God in the rough and the smooth?

I like to play chess, if only I can find a partner. Life can be like a game of chess! If my opponent lets me win every time then there is no game and I just do not learn or grow.

Where are you today?

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:" Ecclesiastes 3:1 New International Version