There is a Season (Part 3).....

As I was getting ready the other morning, I heard little feet clamoring up the stairs! My little guy burst into the bathroom, and my immediate thought was that something was wrong! Instead, he simply had an urgent question:

"Mommy! Will we jump in the piles when all the leaves come down?"

He was referring to a conversation from the day before about the fun things that are soon coming with the fall season. I also get almost daily questions about "snow time". He can't wait to make snowmen and enjoy the excitement that winter brings. 

These conversations have gotten me thinking about the positive AND negative aspects that accompany all four seasons. For instance, 

*Spring brings gorgeous weather, warm rain showers, and blooming flowers, but it also brings muddy ground and terrible allergies for many!

*While Summer can be full of uncomfortable humid weather, damaging tornadoes, and drought, it can also be full of fun at the pool, late-night cookouts, and fireworks!

*The colors of Autumn are absolutely gorgeous, but create quite a bit of raking when they cover the ground!

*Dangerous roads and freezing temperatures are definitely a part of the winter season, however snowball fights, Christmas celebrations, and hot chocolate have their place as well! 

Our enjoyment or contentment in a season depends on our perspective of that season. I realize that we all have favorite seasons. God created us with individual preferences. However, it's easy to dwell on the negatives of a certain season, and simply overlook any of the positives. 

That principle applies perfectly to the seasons of life as well.  We tend to focus on the hard aspects of our circumstances or wish that our current season would hurry up and pass instead of looking for the joys and blessings around us. 

For example, I've been struggling lately with the fact that I find very little time to write. It seems like so many other online friends are constantly working on e-books and projects while it's been hard for me to produce a simple thought-provoking post. 

However, those fellow bloggers may not currently be in the same season as me. They may not be eagerly awaiting a sweet newborn (in a few short weeks!!). They may not be actively involved in a MOPS ministry. They may not be busy with the daily craziness and FUN of a three year old boy! :) 

I've had to make a conscious decision to thoroughly enjoy the positive aspects of my current season rather than to dwell on the fact that I can't write or be online as much as I would like. 

This almost seems like a silly example as I write it, but I believe that we can find examples of God's provision, protection, and love in some of the most difficult of seasons. 

Philippians 4:11: 

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:

I'd love to hear from you.....

What good are you finding in your current season of life? How do you strive to develop contentment in every circumstance? 

Photo Credits:
Summer Sky
Spring
Fall Lake Trees
Winter

This post is linked to Michelle's Thought Provoking Thursday!

There is a Season (Part 2).....

My husband and I often tease about the fact that we still haven't gotten completely used to the cold and snow that settles into our area from November to March. Sure, we now have a good supply of "winter clothes," and are quickly becoming expert shovelers, but our Florida blood hasn't acclimated yet.
We've also been surprised at how long some of the winter weather lasts. We've had snow as early as October and experienced a pretty significant snowfall last April. We are already trying to mentally prepare ourselves for the cold weather that will be here in a couple short months.

March 23, 2011

We are thankful when the snow piles finally melt and dandelions take their place. We know that no matter how long the season seems to last, there will be an ending and a beginning to a new season. 

The Bible speaks much about beginnings and endings as well. 

Psalm 30:5

 For His anger is but for a moment,  His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. 

Ecclesiastes 3:11

 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.


Ecclesiastes 7:8

The end of a thing is better than its beginning; The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

*Are you enduring a difficult season right now? Are you amazed at how LONG your winter is lasting? Do you hope and pray for a renewing spring in your life?

Be encouraged and reminded that each season (both in nature and in our daily walk) has a beginning and an end. Joy WILL come in the morning!

*Are you currently in a beautiful season of life? While, I don't intend to "rain on your parade," be aware that every season will come to a close. Do not be surprised when you are suddenly dealing with spiritual storms, droughts, and freezing temperatures. Enjoy every day of this enjoyable season while preparing yourself for the changing of the seasons that WILL come.

Whatever season you are currently in, remember Psalm 52:1,

"The goodness of God endures continually."

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Photo Credits:
Summer Sky
Spring
Fall Lake Trees
Winter

There is a Season (Part 1)....

Evenings here in northern Pennsylvania are steadily getting cooler and cooler. In fact the last few nights, our temperatures have dipped into the lower 40's. 

I can't help but get excited about crisp weather, cozy sweaters, pumpkin candles, and crunchy leaves. Autumn is definitely my favorite of the four seasons. 

As the change in the seasons occurs, I've been contemplating the many similarities between weather's seasons and life's seasons. 

season

noun /ˈsēzən/ 
seasons, plural

Each of the four divisions of the year (spring, summer, autumn, and winter) marked by particular weather patterns and daylight hours, resulting from the earth's changing position with regard to the sun
A period of the year characterized by a particular climatic feature or marked by a particular activity, event, or festivity
• - the rainy season
• - the season for gathering pine needles
A fixed time in the year when a particular sport is played
• - basketball season is over
The time of year when a particular fruit, vegetable, or other food is plentiful and in good condition
• - the pies are made with fruit that is in season
• - lobster season
An indefinite or unspecified period of time; a while
• - this most beautiful soul, who walked with me for a season in this world
A proper or suitable time
• - to everything there is a season

Using some of these definitions and some insights I've gathered, I'd like to share a small series with you over the next couple weeks entitled,  There is a Season. I hope you'll receive a renewed perspective of the seasons that each of us face throughout our time here on earth!

Until then, I hope you'll take a little time to meditate on Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.....

¹ To everything there is a season
A time for every purpose under heaven:
      
 ² A time to be born,
And a time to die;
      A time to plant,
And a time to pluck what is planted;
     
  ³ A time to kill,
And a time to heal;
      A time to break down,
And a time to build up;      
  ⁴ A time to weep,
And a time to laugh;
      A time to mourn,
And a time to dance;
     
  ⁵ A time to cast away stones,
And a time to gather stones;
      A time to embrace,
And a time to refrain from embracing;
     
  ⁶ A time to gain,
And a time to lose;
      A time to keep,
And a time to throw away;      
  ⁷ A time to tear,
And a time to sew;
      A time to keep silence,
And a time to speak;
    
   ⁸ A time to love,
And a time to hate;
      A time of war,
And a time of peace.


Photo Credits:
Summer Sky
Spring
Fall Lake Trees
Winter