TIS THE SEASON

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now

for a season, if need be, ye are in

heaviness through manifold

temptations.

That the trial of your faith, being much

more precious than of gold that

perisheth, though it be tried with fire,

might be found unto praise and

honor and glory at the appearing

of Jesus Christ.

I Peter 1:6,7

Perhaps it was in first grade, I first learned about the seasons of the year. I knew there were hot months, cold ones, mild ones and the pretty ones where the leaves turned pretty colors. I had that many facts but hadn't put names on those supposed three month cycles. At my age, however, I have experienced those seasons many times over. Some of those seasons came my way while living at home, some while in college and many of them in the northern Chicago area (those winters were too miserable to even talk about).

Brian and I were married February 8 up north. There was no snow but it was certainly cold enough. We enjoyed taking a trip to Chattanooga, TN where it was milder for that time of year compared to what we were used to. Our three children were born during colder weather but no snow to keep us from getting to the hospital on time.

It's only been in my older years as I've looked back that although not official in any way, I have noticed there have been different season in my life that have nothing to do with the previously mentioned weather seasons. Most seasons I've lived through have often come and gone, some lasting longer or shorter periods of time.

Perhaps you have gone some of those same seasons that I have experienced, such as, seasons of:

school years, career, marriage, children, health issues, friendships, and even personal grieving (the most difficult being the loss of Brian in my life). Despite the season, think how dull life would be without changes. God's desire for us no matter the season is that we will come to know Him better and will grow in them. Even in nature, if there are no seasons, there would be no growth of anything. We are meant to grow and thrive in Him.

The answer for me (and I not always took advantage of it) was to go to God's Word and soak myself in those precious words from God to me. Psalms always comforted me and spoke to me in ways I needed. Taking our joys or sorrows to the Lord is a must no matter the season we find ourselves in at the present time. In it all, God is God and is always faithful no matter where we find ourselves.

Father, You have been with me in it all and I'm so grateful. In it all, I've come to love and trust You more. Thank You for being my all, no matter the season of my life. In Jesus name...Amen