There is something about this time of year that always gets me tickled. It is crazy when you can go to the store and see decorations, candy and other items that span over 3 sometimes 4 different holidays or seasons.
It is almost as if I feel rushed to acknowledge or celebrate one because the other is right there waiting.
This is a lot like our lives a lot of times. We don't fully enjoy the one season we are in before we are trying to change the decorations and move on to the next season of our life. We push past some areas that we should spend time in and we spend time in some areas that we should step out of.
I know this sounds like a lot of rambling, but it is 4am in the morning and I am only on my first cup of coffee.
A Time for Everything. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.
the Bible tells us that for everything there is a season... So I want to encourage you to be in the season God has you in. When the time is right the season will change.
To the teenager that can't wait to grow up and be on your own, make your own decisions and live your own life slow down, look around you, learn what you can while you are in the protection of your home. Seek out what god wants for you, this season sets a foundation or you so make sure the foundation is strong.
To the single woman that longs to have a family - remember there are so many things that you can do as a single person that you may not be able to do once you are married and have children, that time will come but for now allow God to use you where you are. Maybe God needs you to be his hands and feet and being single allows you the time to do just that.
To the mother that feels she should be more involved but is raising young children - focus on the season of your family - loving and raising the children God has entrusted to your care. You are shaping the next generation, what could be more important then that. Remember they will grow up watching how you live your life and that will become an example or pattern for them, take time to set the right example and do nut rush through this time for the sake of your children.
To the empty nester, you have just sent your last child off into the world on their own and your home that has been filled with the sound of them is now silent, do not grieve just remember the season is changing and be open and excited to see what God has in store for you next.
To the grandmother, or even great-grandmother sitting there alone, feeling like you have nothing let to offer remember you are vitally important to all the generations under you. You are a shining example, a pillar of prayer, a listening ear, a word of wisdom. Sure the time has passed for you to be involved in everything, maybe physically you cannot do what you once did but that does not mean that you are useless.
To the woman that is in a season of pain, grief or brokenness - remember this is only a season. Do not build a permanent residence in this season you are passing through. Turn to God allow Him to direct you, encourage you and bring you out.
The Word of God tells us that weeping may last for a night but joy comes in the morning. Do we truly believe this, can we take hold of the promise God has given us and realize this is just a season I am going to be ok, I am going to make it through, things are going to get better.
So I urge you today to remember you are in a season - good or bad-
Enjoy the new growth of the Springs in your life, stop and smell the roses.
If you are in a Summer season - enjoy the warmth of the love around you and the memories you make as you would on a summer vacation
Fall is a beautiful time, the sound of crunching leaves under your feet and the beautiful fall colors that God has painted - a time to reflect and prepare the the winter that lies ahead.
When Winter hits and you feel the cold isolation, darker days and no sign of life - just cover up with a blanket (support from loved ones) grab a good book (The Bible) and remember this season too shall come to an end.
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