Seasons

(Original appeared May 9, 2016)

You may be familiar with the scripture passage which reminds us that there is a time or season for everything. If you grew up in the 60’s you’ll remember this was immortalized in a popular song. That passage is found in Ecc 3:1-8. It speaks to Deb and I particularly, reminding us that there are and will be contrasting times in our lives. Some we will enjoy and others we will suffer.
Deb made a wonderful analogy regarding the trying times we are facing: changing seasons. If you live in the Arctic or near the Equator, just go with us on this for a moment. Here in Indiana, we enjoy (or suffer, depending on your perspective) all four seasons. Sometimes we even get to enjoy them all in one day. A gentleman who joined us for a round of golf in Scotland joked about Scottish weather that Scots might enjoy all four seasons in the process of a golf swing!
Seasons come and go whether we like it or not. We have no say in the matter. We can get frustrated or joyful, impatient or content; and then things switch on us. In essence, we are along for the ride. Although we have no control over the seasons, they are still meant for our benefit. Our desire for the short term is trumped by the larger story God has in place for the long term.
We might struggle watching Jacob crash, or when we learn more rotten news. Then the season changes and we discover good news, or that something is beginning to resolve. The fact that we have had to give up control has been one of the most difficult lessons learned these last 4 weeks. And yet, we are still here. Each of the good and bad times must be enjoyed or endured and we trust, now more than ever, in His unfailing love for us. This trust has become easier as the changing seasons have become more frequent. Interesting how that works. -R