Time is a funny thing. As humans, we are obsessed with time. When we are bored, time seems to crawl like a turtle. When we are having fun, time seems to fly. Yet time remains the same...the same 60 seconds in 1 minute, the same 60 minutes in 1 hour, the same 24 hours in 1 day. However, life circumstances seem to "color" our interpretation of time.
I can remember when my parents were my age. When I observe my children, I often think to myself, "Wow, they are looking at me like I looked at my parents." Funny how time has a way of shaping, molding and changing our perspectives. Suddenly, I understand many of their "Sayings," "No's!" and "Because I said so!!!" My father had a saying, "After a time is another time." Certainly, time waits for no one...it continues to march on. As we look over our lives, we tend to view time in "seasons." Depending upon what's happening, we may view our season as "winter, spring, summer or fall."
The "Winter" of life may be a cold, barren, frozen experience...nothing seems to be moving. Seeds planted look a lot like death. We may even battle depression. We want that season to quickly pass, but like actual winter, it may take its time and drag on, even beyond what appear to be normal parameters. The once white, beautiful, glistening snow gets dirty and we develop a disdain for what we once adored. Winter can be a tough season. But it too has its purpose...
it forces us to get closer to the fire.
The "Spring" of our lives bring new growth, but also rain, wind and mud. We are excited for the beauty of flowers emerging, but in order to get the flowers, we have to deal with the rain, wind and mud! In a spiritual sense, this sometimes translates into tears, "winds of adversity," and unwanted challenges, "mess..." mud! But at the end, God sends the beauty...new life...revealed gifts...new direction...greater opportunities.
In the "Summer" of our lives, things finally seem to come together. Beautiful sun rises, walks on sunny beaches, shedding big heavy coats, flip flops and painted toe nails, sleeveless garments, sun glasses, cool breezes and lemonade. Summer can also be scorching hot, sweaty and uncomfortable...dusty fans blowing around hot air! The summer of life can be mixed...great times, but just enough aggravation to remind us that this world is not our home and perfection does not exist on this planet!
Finally, there is the "Fall" of our lives. I personally love the Fall - it is probably my favorite season. The vibrancy of colors from changing leaves, the cool yet warm air, the orange, lilac and yellow sunsets...the romanticism in the atmosphere. It can almost make you forget that the vibrant colors are signaling the death of that year's blossoms. Fall reminds us that some of our greatest accomplishments happen at the end, rather than the beginning.
Indeed, God makes everything beautiful in its time. What time is it for you? Look for the beauty in every season. Avoid allowing the worst of the season to cancel out the joy and gladness nestled between the ebb and flow of the challenges. Remember, there is a time for everything...
Post a comment or send me an email at Shepastor1@hotmail.com
Until next Wednesday,
In Faith, Hope and Perseverance,
Pastor Chris
www.shepastorchris.org
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