How to Embrace the Season You’re In

If you've lived very many years, as I have, you've most likely come to understand that we experience many different seasons throughout the course of our lives. Just like in nature, seasons change. Sometimes we welcome the new season, and other times we mourn for the ones that are gone. God is intentional, and nothing is by happenstance or mistake. I imagine that He gave us the different seasons in nature, in part, to remind us that seaons in our life will also change. Now mind you, we know God never changes. His character is steadfast and true, but as we go through different seasons in our life, we have the opportunity to learn more about Him and also ourselves if we choose to as we navigate through the new changes.

Spring: Don't you love spring? It's a season of new beginnings. Just as spring is a time of rebirth, renewal, and new life in nature, our lives too experience seasons of fresh starts. Whatever we experienced through the winter season, spring brings about hope and new life. It can be daunting at times if we have been faced with challenges and uncertainties, but remember that just as the crocuses break through the thawing earth, God's grace, love, and provision can bring about new opportunities, dreams, and hope in our lives. Embrace this season of renewal, trust in His timing, and allow your life to bloom with the beauty of His purpose.

Summer: My personal favorite season. Summer, with its long, warm days, represents a season of growth and abundance. In our lives, this season reflects times of plenty and fulfillment. Just as a garden flourishes during this time, so can our hearts and spirits flourish with the love, joy, and blessings God provides. We need to be grateful for the abundance in your life, sharing your blessings with others, and remember to keep God at the center of our hearts in the abundance. His provision is meant to point our gaze towards Him, not distract us from Him.

Autumn: Oh the beauty of autumn!  Autumn is a time of transition, as nature prepares for the coming winter. Similarly, in our lives, there are times when we must transition, let go, and harvest the lessons learned and the fruits of our labor. These can be times of reflection and self-discovery. But we need to remember that even in the midst of change, God's constant presence offers guidance and comfort. He is our anchor in the storms of life, providing hope and stability. And just as the foliages displays beauty and brilliance, our lives can reflect beauty in the midst of the change if we trust God and allow Him to work through us.

Winter: A season of rest and reflection. Winter is often seen as a season of dormancy and stillness in nature. Similarly, our lives may experience times of rest and reflection. In these moments, it may feel as though life has slowed down or even come to a standstill. However, just as the earth is resting and preparing for a new spring, so are we.  Winter can also represent the hard things. Just as the frozen ground seems unhospitable for new life, many species of plants and flowers require the cold to signal dormancy and rest for a season to prepare them from the spring. Embrace this season, for it's a time to draw near to God through prayer and meditating on His Word, to rest in His promises, and to find hope even in the stillness.

For myself, this past winter of my soul felt long and hard, but God... Even in the hard, He has been faithful, and I can truly say I am thankful for each season He walks me through because no matter what I experience in this life, the joy of walking with Him and the hope of eternity far outweighs the difficult seasons.

So, yes, our loving, intentional God has given us the four seasons of nature to beautifully mirror the seasons of life, each with its unique characteristics and lessons. Just as we can trust that the earth will continue to cycle through these seasons, we can also trust in God's divine plan for our lives. No matter which season you find yourself in, whether it's a time of new beginnings, growth, transition, or rest, have hope. God is with you every step of the way, guiding you and using each season to shape you into the person He envisions. So, embrace the seasons of life, knowing that they are a part of God's intricate and purposeful design.