Monday, September 10, 2012

Seasons Of Change by Nina Keegan Owens

We just had our first quote/unquote "cold" spell of the season in Houston this past weekend. Having been born and raised near Chicago, I find it quite amusing that the temperature falling to the high 70's is considered to be a cold snap.

There is however, so much delight in having a major shift in the weather. A 20 degree drop in one day can be a marvelously welcomed reprieve from the sweltering heat wave that has impacted most our the country over the last several months.

Everyone it seemed could not get enough of the faint, cool, breezes that crooned through the trees. The crisp, new,chilly,autumn air unearthed an enthusiasm and a get up and go attitude that had been missing for quite some time. The world it seemed was brand new and alive with people fervently enjoying the gorgeous weather. The neighborhood parks, golf courses and outdoor eating establishments were awake and booming with people that had a new found freedom to be out and about, no longer banished to the hybernation and house arrest of the constant hum of airconditioning.

What is it about a simple change in weather that can bring out the best in people? It's almost like each new season is a new beginning of sorts. its very representation of newness stirs up changes in our souls. Autumn visions of our favorite warm cozy sweater; rich hot cocoa; and steaming hot apple cider spring into action in our hearts.

We feel the blessings of getting a fresh new start with each new season. We get something inspiring and new to look forward to with great anticipation.

The Bible also references new changes and beginnings in our lives as being seasons. Seasons are metaphors for God's perfect timing in delivering us through all the changes He makes in our lives. These certain seasons can bring about the blessings we reap from having been obedient in following him through those changes even if we did not fully understand or welcome them.

Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

This scripture tells us to never give up. No matter how long, strenuous and pain staking the road or the trials are in our lives, there is always a new season ahead, a season of new beginnings.

Every day we can make the decision to begin again. We can adopt a positive mindset to overcome, conquer, and live triumphantly. All beginnings must eventually come to an end so a new beginning, a new season, can commence. We need to take the opportunity to look ahead at what can be and forget the what might have beens. We can challenge ourselves to be better, live higher, rise above our own self appointed limitations. We can look ahead to a new season of thinking, speaking, acting and living more positively. Each subtle change we implement towards living a more positive life will eventually take root and manifest itself into our days, weeks, months and years.

A beautiful tree full of wonderful green foliage and rich, ripened fruit can offer shelter, nourishment, and shade, but only temporarily. The leaves eventually turn brilliant hues of crimsons, golds, reds and oranges, offering us a wonderful spectacle to behold, a brushstroke of genius only God can artfully paint. Then, those leaves must fall, leaving that beautiful tree bare and vulnerable as it must survive the harshest of seasons.The tree must go through that season to begin a new life, a new cycle,with budding blossoms fragrant and beautiful.

Psalm 1:3
He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yeilds its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.

We need to be incessantly grateful and thank God continually even when our future seems very unclear. We can still stay firmly planted in faith so we will never wither but always prosper and produce good fruit. Faith is based on what we can't see, what we do not know, and what we cannot predict.

All glory comes then from daring to begin, daring to change, ushering in each new season, and forever trusting God with each unpredictable new step. Never stop changing and growing. We can never fully know what God's intentions are for us, but we can always do the absolute very best with where He has placed us right now. Only then, when we have learned all there is to learn and are truly grateful in this place, this season, will God move us to a new, more bountiful, and blessed season.

Ecclisiastes 3:1
For everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven.

So as we throw open the windows to let the wonderful autumn breezes waft through our homes, as we breathe in the bright, clean air, or as we step outside to savor this new season that our calender has delivered us right on cue, let's take a moment to thank God for every new season in our lives. Let's appreciate every new day for it's many challenges to overcome and its many blessings to count.

Thank you sweet Father that as the seasons of change are upon us that we grab hold of all that life has to offer. Teach us Lord to have a grateful heart and to trust you with every new day and change that comes our way. Help us to stay positive as we grow in our faith.
We love and praise you in Jesus name!
Amen

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