STABILIZING SEASONAL SHIFTS
We know intellectually before we know experientially. The pages of the calendar turn unbidden. Our current routines and activities begin to evolve and direct us into the shift. We acknowledge change is coming. Then, we begin to feel the difference. A coolness in the air. Vibrant greens of summer turning to golden hues as crops indicate the coming harvest. And “boom”, we wake to a fresh season. We celebrate but recognize, alongside the pleasures and joys, will come challenges and difficulties.
Spotting the parallels between the seasons of nature and the seasons of life is not difficult. We nod at the signs things are morphing around us and yet feel startled when hit with the reality we’re in the new season. Sometimes, the difficulties we face cause a longing to jump out of one stage into the next. In opposing manner, we cling to the joys and blessings of the current period and long for time to stand still. Either way, time marches on, bringing new blessings. And new hards.
One of the ongoing threads flowing through each stage of life is change. Day to day and season to season our bodies change. Our circumstances change. Our abilities and needs change. Our wants change. Our focus changes. Each one of these bring challenges, sometimes becoming downright hard.
Feelings of discouragement and inadequacy arise because we no sooner get firm footing in one season, and we’re turning the corner into another and the landscape changes, leaving us unsure and unbalanced. Overwhelmed, we wonder how we got here so quickly. Our weary bodies begin to argue when we expect the same performance as the previous season. Our mind’s ability to manage fifty spinning plates at once, diminishes. Our hearts begin to feel worn with battle scars of previous hards.
So. How do we deal with the changing seasons of life? Acceptance, adjustment, and anchoring.
Acceptance. God ordained the passage of time for both mankind as a whole and as an individual. He appointed the kingdoms and ages of the world before creation (Acts 17:26, Ephesians 3:11). And Scripture tells us “all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139:16). Accepting over-reaching truths that God’s purposes are eternal, that He has established the nations and appointed their times in history; and, the very personal truth, that our place in the world and history are under God’s sovereignty, brings comfort. We embrace the knowledge our lives are established in His sovereign plan and held in His hands. He gives us exactly what we need to accomplish His purposes for us, in the exact length of days He ordained for us. Whether our seasons are many or short, peace prevails in embracing each as they come. For all bring a new opportunity to grow in faith as we work through, with His gracious leading, not just the joys but the struggles we face.
Adjustment. As we accept the fact the changes manifested in each season are part of God’s fixed plan through the ages, wisdom prods us to make adjustments. Expectations of ourselves and those around us must be modified. We discover the importance of giving ourselves the same grace and patience we offer to others. With Christ’s help, our self talk stops repeating lies the enemy whispers to us, and starts reciting the truth of all the fruits the Spirit produces in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Then, step by step we follow our Shepherd through unfamiliar pastures of a new season with contentment, rooted in faith of His watchful eye and powerful arm.
Anchoring. Like a skilled rock climber, we make our way through the hards of each season by anchoring ourself to the Rock, with the fixed bolts of thanksgiving and joy. When things around us seem to be a crumbling, uphill trek, where in the world are we to find these? By going deeper. By delving into the everlasting truths of what Christ has done for us and holding tight to the solid promises He has given us. Battling through the hards of life is a powerful way God produces “passionate patience”, character, hope, and spiritual maturity in us. (Romans 5:3-4, James 1: 2-4)
Our greatest comfort in the swirl of changing seasons is the One who never changes. No matter the circumstances. No matter the time. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) Our stabilizer. Our rock.
Therefore, instead of struggling against the changing seasons, we relax into the rhythms of life God provides for you and me, finding peace and comfort by believing our Creator will watch over and care for us. Keeping hope alive through His promises. Helping us through every moment of difficulty. And celebrating with us our moments of joy. Every day. In very season.
The author of Ecclesiastes penned words dripping with beauty and truth about seasons in life. So full of wisdom they ring true through all centuries and cultures.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
A time to be born and a time to die,
A time to plant and a time to uproot,
A time to kill and a time to heal,
A time to tear down and a time to build,
A time to weep and a time to laugh,
A time to mourn and a time to dance,
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
A time to search and a time to give up,
A time to keep and a time to throw away,
A time to tear and a time to mend,
A time to be silent and a time to speak,
A time to love and a time to hate,
A time for war and a time for peace…
He has made everything beautiful in its time.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, 11
