Changing Seasons of Life
In Canada we are familiar with, and prepare for the changing seasons. However, how do we deal with the changing seasons of life?
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The Changing Seasons in Saskatchewan
In Saskatchewan the leaves began changing to their brilliant fall colours before the middle of September arrived. Just a few points of colour here and there as rain drizzled or poured for a couple of weeks, causing farmer’s to contemplate how they would complete their harvest. Geese began honking as they gathered together before forming their famous V formations and heading south for the winter. I noticed other birds flocking together in great numbers, also preparing to leave the cold of the prairies for warmer southern climates.
Snow and Ice
As October arrives with colder temperatures and winds to blow the leaves from the trees, I know it is only a matter of time until snow and ice herald winter’s arrival – much earlier here than in some other parts of Canada. Although I was born and raised in Saskatoon, I must admit that each year I am sadder to see the bare trees because I dread what is coming.
The Changing Seasons of Life
In our lives we go through various seasons as well. Some are a natural progression of aging as when we go from baby to toddler to young child. Then we hit those teenage years and wait, sometimes impatiently, to become an adult with all the responsibilities that accompany that phase of life.
I longed to be a mother. God chose to grant that desire. Now I am a grandmother but those wonderful grandbabies are no longer babies. Most are already young adults or older teens. Where did the time go?
Other Seasons of Life
Other seasons of life bring puzzle pieces of discomfort, the pain of a loved one or in us and we wonder how we will survive the tough stuff of life.
Over the last few months, the days of my life often blurred together with life changes beyond my control. My husband’s health took a nosedive into pain and discomfort which took away his ability to do all he was used to doing.
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Then I caught a bug which took up residence in my lungs. The infection caused my asthma to flare up worse than it had for three years. I was forced to rest as much as coughing and gasping for breath and caring for my husband allowed. I must admit asking God what his plans were in all this health concern chaos.
A Plea for the Next Step
I asked God what I should be concentrating on in this new season of our lives once my health improved. Should I continue to accept speaking engagements? What writing projects should I tackle? Ideas flowed through my mind. I grabbed pen and paper to jot them down before they disappeared like fog burning off in the sunshine Anxiety about the unknown plagues me. I scribble thoughts, prayers and questions into my journal, begging to hear God’s still small voice about the next step for everything in my daily life. What needs to be put on hold in this new season?
Stewardship of Gifts
At the beginning of this season of change, filled with so many unknowns, our pastor preached a series of sermons about stewardship – not just of our finances but in every area of our lives including our God-given gifts. These Biblical truths still echo in my heart and mind. I added them to the questions I poured out to God about what the stewardship of my storytelling gift should look like right now.
Then I read a poster which said, “My life may not be going the way I planned it, but it is going exactly the way God planned it.” I think I need to get a copy of that poster and pin it up above my desk or tape it on the mirror where I can see and be reminded that God is in charge of the changing seasons each year and in our lives too.
Identifying with Martha
I must admit impatience rears its head way too often. I identify more with Martha bustling around trying to accomplish many things in a short amount of time than with her sister, Mary, who took time to rest and learn at the feet of Jesus. I equate being busy with productivity and worry about resting being thought of as procrastination. Sometimes the line blurs between rest and simply putting things off for another day. Only by God’s grace will I know the difference.
No matter what door God opens or when he opens it, I want to be prepared to obey and walk through it. For now, I must take each day as it comes. I know God’s love, patience and compassion can flow in and through me as I care for my husband, while learning not to smother him or do too much of what he can still do simply because of my worry. I don’t know where this journey will lead us but we will walk it together with God.
Seasons With Puzzle Pieces
As I watch for the end of fall and the beginning of the cold and ice of winter on the prairies, I need to realize that this too is part of the whole picture of how God made this area of the world. I know the seasons need to change each year. There are things I enjoy in each one of them and some seasons I like better than others but it takes all of them to make up the total package. In my life the seasons change along with my expectations and the obligations and privileges they afford. I enjoy some of those times better than others too but God uses all of them to make me into the person he has planned for me to be. Each season is full of its own puzzle pieces that need to find their way into the picture that is me.
What season of life are you experiencing at the moment? It might be just what you planned or desired. Enjoy each moment. It might be full of challenges. Trust God to show you the way through it for he knows the plans he has for each one of us. I Peter 5: 7 reminds us all to “Cast your cares on him for he cares for you.” May we remember this in every season of our lives.
Carol Harrison
Listen to Carol’s program Puzzle Pieces Of Life.
Carol Harrison B.Ed is a speaker and published author with one book, Amee’s Story and stories in twelve anthologies. She is passionate about helping people of all ages and ability levels find their voice and reach their fullest potential.
She knows, through personal experience that some of life’s experiences are tougher than others. She encourages people that even in the twists and turns of life God’s amazing grace provides hope. She lives in Saskatoon, SK with her husband Brian. They have four adult children and a dozen grandchildren.
Visit Carol’s website carolscorner.ca
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Images Credits
Fall – Valiphotos
Leaves in Water – Couleur
First Responders – Artistic Operations
Snow and Ice – Mikko
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