Seasons Change

As I sit and enjoy a cup of coffee this morning, I am struck by the undeniable fact that the season is changing. Weather forecasters are predicting the chance of snow for today; which I learned would tie the earliest recorded measurable snowfall for this same day, October 12, in 1909. The leaves have barely turned colors and I'm already thinking about dusting off the snow blower to make sure it's ready for whatever may come. A joke we had in St. Louis regarding the weather was, "If you don't like the weather today just stick around, it will change tomorrow!" I am starting to think that applies everywhere.......well, not Florida, but most everywhere! When it comes to weather I've come to the realization that I don't have any control over it and no amount of complaint will change it. It's a season that will come and go as it pleases.

It's amazing how quickly seasons can change. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says it this way, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." I've learned that life also seems to have the cycle of seasons to it as well. There are seasons of spring-like growth and summer blessing. There's also seasons of autumn-like shedding and winter freeze. In my life, I've experienced all of the seasons. We would all prefer to have the spring and summer seasons because they seem to be the most productive, then avoid the others. But in life it's just not possible to do that; and it's not healthy. We need the seasons of pruning and purging in our lives to strips us of everything that holds us down and drains our strength.

I've talked with a few people lately who've been going through tough seasons of life, but they are beginning to see the budding of fresh spiritual life. No matter what season you are in right now, just know that another season is coming and it isn't a negative thing; it's a necessary thing. Seasons of change are a part of God's plan for your life. Embrace them, seek God for wisdom in them, and know that a new season is just on the other side of the one you're currently in.

Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (New Living Translation)