Seasons.
Spring. Summer. Autumn. Winter.
I am supremely blessed to live in a location where we have four distinct seasons. Our spring in the North Georgia Mountains overflows with green leaves and beautiful blooms of every color imaginable. Summer rushes in with her 90-plus degree temperatures, pushing spring out of the way much too quickly. With Autumn’s stunning color displays comes festival season and loads of tourists swarming our mountains, hoping to catch the leaves at their peak. Finally, Winter arrives, with her chill, reduction, and barrenness. Seasons.
Just as the earth experiences changes of seasons, so it is with humanity.
In the Spring of our lives, we are born. We learn to walk and talk, do math, ride a bicycle, read. and swim. Our parents and others hold our hands and teach us how to bloom in our corner of the world. Our worlds are small and closely connected in the Spring.
As we move into the Summer of our lives, we should have left behind the child-like things of this world, and now function as adults in the world. We have jobs, spouses, children, and bills to pay. For most people, the Summer of life is when their health is good, and often taken for granted.
The Autumn of life brings changes that are sometimes shocking. We are faced with the reality that we can no longer physically do some of the things we could in Summer. Yet there are great joys in this season. Adult children, grandchildren, and good friends pepper our lives, just to name a few. We have gained a measure of wisdom that only time and mistakes can teach, and we have a responsibility to share that wisdom with others. Our focus begins to narrow to what is really important…things like family, health, and leaving a legacy for those who come behind us.
Winter’s reduction often seems harsh. It is that time when the seeming usefulness of a person is stripped away, and all that remains is sickness and age. Yet, there is so much blessing in Winter. The Bible is clear that those in the winter of life are to be esteemed. Our society casts away the aged, yet God used so many in the Winter of their lives for His purposes. Abraham was 100 when Isaac was born. Moses was 80 when he was called to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. Anna and Simeon were well advanced in years when God gave them the privilege of recognizing Messiah when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to be dedicated. John was in his 80s or 90s when he wrote The Revelation. The Winter is when God calls us home, yet that call will not come until we have fully served God’s purposes here on earth.
I have a friend who reminded me that God has a plan and a purpose for every season of our lives. Each season is content with its purpose. Spring doesn’t fret about what will happen in summer. Summer doesn’t fret about how harsh winter will be. The seasons submit to God’s plan, and flow beautifully along.
Just as each season of the earth has beauty and purpose…new life for plants and animals in the Spring, growth and production in Summer, harvest and beautiful leaves in the Autumn, and rest and preparation for the next year in Winter…so it is with the seasons of our lives.
I’m in the Autumn of my life, and I want this season to produce a beautiful harvest for Jesus. I want to accept with grace that Summer is past, yet live eagerly to fulfill my Autumn purpose. Just as God plans and executes the seasons on earth, I trust that He will take care of me in whatever season of life I am walking through.
Whatever season you are in, trust Him, friend! He has purpose for you in that season, so seek that purpose. He longs to use you in this season. Celebrate the Seasons of your Life!
