Journeying through Seasons

Ecclesiastes speaks about there being a time for everything under the sun! Over recent days I’ve pondered much on how I should be journeying through the ‘everythings’ and ‘no matter whats,’ which has brought me to a place of looking at the different seasons of life we all experience at one time or another! Sometimes they creep up and take us unawares, at other times they hit like a lightning bolt!

We like to imagine that it’s possible for life to be one eternal spring or summer; warm, bright, full of fun and laughter. HOWEVER, we all have to winter at some time or another, for some it feels as though it’s winter all the time. How do we embrace our winter in a positive way, how do we press forward and not sink into darkness, numbness, coldness? We may never choose to winter, but we can choose how! If we look at nature; creature’s hibernate, trees may appear dead and lifeless, but inside and underneath there is life and preparation for spring, an opportunity to be ushered into future glories. Energies are being preserved in order to enjoy the activities spring and summer afford.

I felt like I was confronted with a not very nice self recently as I realised I had been ‘wintering’ as it were but just kept going despite feeling numb and distant. As I paused awhile and pondered this, I thought about the fact that we prepare for winter by putting on the right clothing, snuggling up by a warm fire or under blankets to keep warm and again as I pondered nature, it’s a time to slow down and rest awhile. My resources are depleted, where do I go to be renewed, strengthened, restored?

We are powerless to control the seasons that roll into our lives, but we can choose how we walk in and through them. No matter what, our Almighty, all knowing, all loving heavenly Father walks with us through the changing seasons of life and promises to meet ALL our needs! He just wants us to come and each day and receive his mercies and grace for that day, to stop a while and hear his song of delight over us that quietens and warms our numb hearts. He longs for us to come like David and pour out our hearts, alongside offering thanksgiving that he’s brought us this far and been faithful.

Today, I feel as though I am emerging from ‘wintering’ slowly but surely. I have acknowledged some of my disappointments, discouragements and fears, and allowed myself to begin feeling and reading the thermometer of emotions that help me navigate where I am and use them as stepping stones for where I need to be. They don’t control me, but they are very real. As I wait upon the Lord, pour out my heart to him and allow him to have and lead me in his ways, I know I will emerge into spring. Yesterday, I watched my tiny new born Grand daughter and two year old Grandson , both so full of life and hope, secure in the knowledge that all their needs will be met by their loving parents, and rest securely in the knowledge that my perfect heavenly father will do the same for me!