You could see the signs of spring outside our window as she bounded in the room.
"What season is it?" little Ella asked.
"It's spring." "
Oh, I wish it was summer."
"Well, don't wish the season away. Enjoy what God has given us right now," I encouraged her.
But wishing the seasons away is what we often do.
When we're little girls, we can't wait to be mommies.
When we're the mothers of babies, we can't wait for toddlers.
When we're single, we can't wait to be married.
And when we're in the midst of a hard providence, we just want relief.
As I consider that tomorrow marks another autumn, one of my favorite seasons, it's hard to believe summer is gone. For the past few months it's felt like the dead of winter, and it's tempting to say I "missed" having a summer at all.
But as we grow in grace, we're more mindful of His sovereign appointing of our seasons. We remember that each season has a unique purpose.
He gives us seasons of loneliness that we might learn Christ is our all.
He gives us seasons of sadness to teach us that He is our joy.
He gives us seasons of prosperity so we can learn to be generous to others.
He gives us seasons of want so we can learn to trust Him with the smallest of details.
And He gives us dark, mid-winter seasons, that we might long for deeper communion with Him.
Less of ourselves. More of Him.
I don't have summer pictures to share this year.
No children playing at the beach.
No vegetables from a garden.
No vacation souvenirs.
But I do have pictures in my mind and heart of a God, my God, who has repeatedly amazed me with His kindness and mercy. I have pictures on my heart of sweet communion with my Savior. Communion that only comes when we're weary and heartbroken and bewildered.
I have pictures of a heart that's been taught contentment and surrender.
Because only God can make things grow in the dead of winter.
Whatever season He has you in, don't waste it by simply longing for deliverance. Pray for a settled heart that is pliable and eager to be fashioned to His will. Pray for a heart that is faithful and fruitful, no matter the season.
With love,
You're right, Mrs. Poff. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYes!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhile I'll say winter is not my favorite, I do enjoy the changes of all the seasons :-)
ReplyDeleteTrisha,
ReplyDeleteI love the thought - Less of ourselves. More of Him.
Thank you. The thought that we are almost always look for relief in our present season of life - made me think - why do we do that instead of resting in Him?
Hope this fall is a blessed time for you as you journey on.
Jojo
Thanks for droppin' by with your sweet comments - it always makes me smile.
Lovely, a timely word
ReplyDeleteGood words, Trisha. Thank God for now.
ReplyDeleteAs hard as it is, it seems that I grow the most during the times of "winter". This last year has been tremendously difficult for my family, and yet it has been so good for me to have to go through it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this beautiful post.
Trisha, this was very good!
ReplyDeleteI am in a hard season, now...
You would think after losing a child, I would have learned to have weathered the seasons with the Lord. But I think God has more lessons for me to learn.
And that makes me feel love...that He loves me enough to use whatever means to have me run toward HIm.
Yes, you're right! And I receive it fully, with joy even, because it is true. I just hope my flesh cooperates with what the spirit is willing to oblige to. Love and many hugs!
ReplyDeleteI loved this so much I had to share some of it with some friends. I wish so much that I could meet daily to have tea and a sweet time of conversation with you. You bless my heart daily with your posts.
ReplyDeleteI love fall too! We had a beautiful day today, only in the 70's and it was wonderful.
Love ya-hugs
Jill
Thanks for the beautiful post. I
ReplyDeletehad to write a lot of your post
in my note book. These last few
months I have definitely had
seasons of loneliness and sadness.
The good news is that I know HE
is with me. He has blessed me
with a daughter like you who is
so encouraging.
HUGS,
Memaw
Such a very good post. My four year old is clamoring for winter and snowballs, when I want to hold onto the autumn season and all it brings. With my youngest and last child growing and growing, I am trying to treasure every stage I may have wanted to rush through with my older two. May I treasure even the difficult seasons that God brings into my life as well.
ReplyDelete