Over the past several days, I have found myself reflecting on how God brings change and growth in our lives just as he brings change and growth to nature. Some seasons are filled with the flourishing and colorful change of autumn, some seasons are filled with the barrenness and death of winter, some seasons are filled with the rebirth and blossoming of spring and some seasons are filled with the radiant open sky of summer...every season serves a particular purpose, helping to form and shape us more and more into the image of Christ. I find such beauty and hope in this seasonal pattern of life...to know that I am a work in progress and God is not finished with me yet. There are good times and hard times, but they are not forever. No matter what kind of forecast we have for this particular season, we can find rest in our God who is relentless in his grace and mercy and provision.
One of my favorite songs is called Every Season, by Nichole Nordeman...
"Every evening sky, an invitation to trace the patterned stars. And early in July a celebration for freedom that is ours. And I notice You in children's games, in those who watch them from the shade. Every drop of sun is full of fun and wonder...You are summer. And even when the trees have just surrendered to the harvest time forfeiting their leaves in late September and sending us inside. Still I notice You when change begins and I am braced for colder winds. I will offer thanks for what has been and what's to come...You are autumn. And everything in time and under heaven, finally falls asleep. Wrapped in blankets white, all creation shivers underneath. And still I notice You when branches crack and in my breath on frosted glass. Even now in death, You open doors for life to enter...You are winter. And everything that's new has bravely surfaced, teaching us to breathe. What was frozen through is newly purposed, turning all things green. So it is with You and how You make me new with every season's change. And so it will be as You are recreating me...summer, autumn, winter, spring."
Thank you God for this summer season, for rest from an intense academic work-load, for the simple joys of life like eating ice cream with friends, walking barefoot in the grass, giggles and smiles and kisses and hugs from the people i love, reading a book for fun, thunderstorms and warm rain and more beauty and blessings than I deserve...You are so good, faithful, loving and kind...in every season!
