Seasons

A morning reading from "Celtic Daily Prayers" spoke of the way fruit is a three or four season production.   Looking around the farm gives evidence of this.   In the here and now which is still gripped by winter, peach blossoms are starting to show on the tree, but it requires Spring and part of Summer before the taste of fresh peaches will be enjoyed.  The pecan tress which will begin budding before too much time passes will go through Spring, Summer, and deep into Fall before pecans will be on the ground.    

Every season is different and brings its own challenges.  And midst each season there are times of abundant life giving sunshine and windy storms which play havoc with trees and fruit.  As we listen to the voice of Creation which speaks of this order,  we are made aware of the way our own life is shaped by the different seasons.  The seasons which impact us are not just the four which pass with the turning of the calendar pages, but the ones which usually do not  last as long and bear such different names.    

Some of the seasons through which we have lived have been difficult, hard, and dark.  We call them things like sickness, loss, separation, and times of the broken heart.  Others have brought forth spirits of joy, dancing, and hope.  The Holy Spirit uses each of these seasons to shape us, to bring fruit forth from our life, and to create in us a heart that more completely reflects the heart of Christ.