15 Oct 2015 The 'seasons' of life
by Laurie Green
Ahh, fall is in the air! There is something about the fall that just feels right. The smells, the weather, the leaves changing and most importantly, the pumpkin everything. Pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin pie, pumpkin candles, pumpkin this, pumpkin that. This is where you insert the voice of Bubba from “Forrest Gump” where they are discussing all the different kinds of shrimp, but with pumpkin. Seriously, the fall season is one of my most favorites. It has such a grand debut — it shows up just when you can’t take another day of summer heat. At least that’s how I feel about it.
Spring, summer, fall and winter — each season has it’s purpose. Some seem more bearable than others (did I mention I’m not a fan of the summer heat), but all are necessary. It’s the same way with life. God allows different seasons for us to go through that shape and grow us. I remember the first time I heard someone say they were just in a difficult season. I didn’t have a clue what it meant. As a new Christian I was pretty certain once you had Jesus in your life it was smooth sailing. This is simply not true! Don’t get me wrong, my walk with Jesus is extraordinary, but it hasn’t always been easy.
As I’ve grown in my walk, I have learned exactly what it means to go through “seasons” of life. There have been moments where I’ve felt like I’m on top of the mountain, but I have also walked through times where I’ve felt completely awful and afraid. Each experience I’ve had has grown me, changed me, given me confidence and taught me humility. Some moments seemed much more difficult than others, but that’s the best part — it was only for a season.
A season isn’t forever. As I said earlier, at just the moment you feel like you can’t take anymore, you will suddenly look back and see that you have moved on to another one. Hindsight is always 20/20, and perhaps the last season you struggled in has prepared you with the skills and the strength you need for the next season of life. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
So remember, as we move into a beautiful fall season of football, turkey and dressing and pumpkin pie, find a way to be thankful for the season of life you’re in now. Enjoy the top of the mountain and grow while you walk valleys. Learn to lean on Jesus no matter what season you are in; let Him be the constant no matter what the chaos may be. Before you know it, the next season will arrive.
