Seasons

Hopefully Spring is here to stay! I know the calendar said March 20th but sometimes nature forgets to check the calendar and offers just enough nice weather to make you forget about Winter only to bring back some Winter like days. At least here in North Carolina anyway. When Spring arrives and then gives way to Summer it will mean a change in Seasons. I know, news flash right? But as I thought about Spring and the seasonal changes it brings, it’s made me think a lot more about seasons.

Luckily the places and states I’ve lived in along the East Coast experience all 4 seasons. Sometimes all in 1 day! But that term gets thrown around a lot. When we are experiencing hard or difficult times, it’s often said “it’s the season I’m in.” Our own lives are often pictured with an analogy of ” Seasons” as we age along our life’s journey.

So I checked the definition as I pondered the term. “A time characterized by a particular circumstance or feature : an indefinite period of time.” So what? I began to see in my self-reflection that I am often wishing or rushing seasons literally and figuratively. I wish away the late Winter time in anticipation of Spring and planting a new garden. I only want to rush through the hot, dog days of Summer to get to Fall and the next Hunting Season. Seems I am guilty in life as well. Never quite content with where I find myself, always thinking of next week, next month or next year. Wishing those tough times would pass quickly so I can get to what I perceive to be a better “Season.”

I know there are worse things in the world. But as I thought about Seasons and my tendency to want to move from one to another ASAP, it gave me pause to think about what I am missing in the hurry I often find myself. Those long, cold Winter days in January and February that I think I dread – what lessons do they have to teach when I am forced to slow down? My rough Season of tough times, what am I supposed to see and be learning during those times that I miss by wishing the “Season” would change? It’s easy to wish for the blossoms of Spring or brilliance of Fall, but there’s something to be found, some treasure in each and every Season you find yourself in.

You see the Apostle Paul said in Philippians chapter 4 that “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” Situation – Season if you will. That from a man in Prison awaiting imminent execution!

So whatever season you find yourself in – Literally and Figuratively – whether it’s taking care of an aging parent, facing medical or financial problems, starting a new job, looking at Retirement or maybe it’s just a day to sit outside and appreciate the Creator’s gift of creation, don’t wish it away. Don’t try to rush through the time as I often do. As Paul said, look to be content, look for what you can learn, look for the person you are there to help. After all the other part of the definition is “an indefinite period of time.” Days, Months, Years – look to enjoy your Season, I know I will be working on it too!