Seasons

Those who live their lives thinking that there are only four seasons are simply not paying attention.  Or, maybe their view of the world is too narrow.  The Old Testament writer who penned Ecclesiastes had it right when he wrote, "For everything there is a season..." (Ecclesiastes 3:1)   When we consider the word "everything," we realize that there is more to life than noticing the changes in seasonal temperature.  The Old Testament writer went on to name a few of those seasons which illustrate his introductory word, but it is surely not an all inclusive list of the possible seasons to be lived. 

 

Interesting time can be spent with the Word as we note each of the seasons he mentions and reflect on how it is that we have experienced them.  One of the things we quickly recognize is that the seasons as he described them come and go and sometimes come again.  In that regard they are like the four seasons which comprise our contemporary calendar.  Those who enter into a season of grief will find that it is a season which comes again many times during the span of our years.  It may not be experienced with the intensity that accompanies the death of someone we love, but it will return, nonetheless. 

Some of the seasons we live are very short.  Some stretch out into indeterminable lengths of time.  Each one is unique and brings into our life something peculiar to the plan of God for our living.  Being open to what is happening in our life is an important thing as we seek to understand the season which is opening before us.  And as it comes, whether it is difficult or joyful, an important thing is to embrace it, receive it, and live within as a part of the way the Spirit is at work within us.