I think when I was younger that it was easy to spend a lot of time looking forward to the “next” season. I looked forward to spring when it was winter, fall when it was summer, the holidays, vacation, and more. I looked forward to the seasons of my children’s childhood as well.
In some ways, I looked at each “next” season as the unfolding of a book that I couldn’t wait to read. That was not a bad thing, but I discovered that it was much like a great novel that you read so quickly page by page that it ends all too soon, only to cause you to wish you had savored each page a little longer.
It was that way with other seasons as well. I felt my heart yearning to slow down how quickly my children were growing up. It seemed impossible to believe in what seemed like the blink of an eye that they were grown and gone starting families of their own.
Of course there were some seasons I was eager to be rid of because they were difficult or painful. Separation from my husband due to military deployments was never fun. Unemployment seasons were never easy either. Seasons of loss of persons I held dear weighed heavily on my heart. I wondered if some of these hard seasons would ever end.
Little by little I began to discover that each season had value and held things for me to discover about the Lord, the world around me, and also me.
I also began to recognize that “a season” was its own journey of ups and downs within it. I didn’t need to wait until “the next season” to have variety. I responded differently at the outset and the end than I did in the middle. I think that I was less patient in the middle.
In the course of life and a great variety of seasons, I have learned to be more content about each one. I feel no need to rush or push the one I am in the midst of. Even though I may anticipate the next one, I have learned to be more content in the one I find myself.
As I was choosing annuals to plant around our home this week, I paused to enjoy the varying colors and types from which to choose. These would require my attention to water and weed to flourish.
I also took time to notice the last glories of the spring flowers. These require little from me except my enjoyment. They start with such small things like crocuses and then march forward with more showy and colorful delights for my eyes to savor.
Spring is in full bloom at last in Ohio on a recent walk…
I have begun to identify with Paul when he writes these verses in Phil. 4 (The Message):
“Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.”
Gorgeous flowers, Pam! I have been thoroughly enjoying this season in my new home…seeing all of the lovely blooms appearing – it has been a surprise one after another! Thanks for sharing on Grace and Truth.
Thanks, Aimee!! I hope you discover new rainbows of color every season!
I love seeing the flowers this time of year! Always makes me smile and rejoice. Thank you for sharing this. Made me very happy!!
Thanks for stopping by! I love each season’s new variety of flowers. Have a blessed day!
Beautiful flowers here Pam. Thank you for sharing today. What a beautiful reminder to be content in the current season that God has us in. I want to ask God what is He teaching me in those seasons of difficulty.
Thank you! All except the wildflowers are blooming around our house. Sometimes it can take quite awhile to discover what He hopes we will see during difficult seasons. I don’t believe He causes them, but He certainly uses them. Thanks for stopping by and sharing.
This reminds me of a quote I have for my emails… “Arrange your days so that you experience total contentment, joy, and confidence in your everyday life with God.” from Soul Keeping by John Ortberg. Content in the joy and in the sorrow is the human experience and God equips us for it all. Lovely photos too!
I can relate to everything you shared about “wishing away seasons”, which I especially did when I was younger – always looking forward to the next event.
In this season of my life, I am definitely trying to be more present in the season I am in – probably because I am heading more toward the sunset years, so to speak. And although it will be wonderful to be with the Lord one day, He has me here at this time and in this place for His purposes to fulfill.
I had never read the Message version of that Philippians 4 verse, ““Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” I love how that reads! It brings so much more to light of what that verse means.
I appreciated all your edifying insights here.
Thanks for sharing! 🙂
I’m glad you can relate! I am no longer sure what the sunset years are these days because it seems to depend a bit on health and retirement age, etc. I might qualify, but I am not sure. I am retired, but so far healthy and active in a lot of ways. I have been reading the Bible through using my You Version Professor Horner plan in the Message and find it very revealing in various passages. Thanks for your kind and gracious comments. I am always blessed when I see your name pop up. Have a great weekend!
Just loved your reflection this morning, just such a peaceful quality in it for me. I hear acceptance and openness to “this moment, this day, this season”. Thank you dear friend.
Thanks, sweet friend! Blessings on your weekend! Missing you as always!