I recently read someone’s comment that they feel like September marks the beginning of a new year for them.  Instantly it struck a chord with me because although I have never verbally expressed it in that manner, I guess I feel the same way.  Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer, signaling the beginning of a new season which we know as autumn.   This year my summer did not go according to my expectations.  My summer began in early June with the passing of my father whom I affectionately called “My Handsome”.  Although he was 94 years old, I was not ready for him to leave us.  His transition although seemingly very smooth for him, proved to be exceptionally painful and difficult for me. 

I still long to hear his voice and find myself reaching for the phone daily at the two specific times that I would call him.  So unbeknownst to me instead of my usual season of summer anticipation of family picnics, traveling, outdoor activities, and just slowing down (slightly) from the usual busyness of everyday life; I found myself in a season of grieving, healing, and accepting the sovereign will of God.

When we look at the definition of the word “season”, its primary definitions entail the four periods of the year beginning astronomically at an equinox or solstice, yet occurring at different dates geographically according to specific climates.  Seasons are most uniquely characterized by particular weather conditions.  It is hard for me to think spiritually about seasons without referring to the 3rd chapter of Ecclesiastes.  Within the 10 verses, the Word of God clearly explains there is a “season” and a “time” for everything in our lives. 

I see the correlation between the interpretation of the words written in that chapter with the course our lives take; the hills, the valleys, the highs, the lows, and the myriad of experiences in between.  Our lives are not dictated by weather or geographical climate changes, but they are subject to the will of God.  A season transpires when you simply acknowledge and accept that God has so ordained a change in your life.  Of course, God can and will do anything He so pleases. However, He gets the glory and our lives are positively impacted by His hand of blessing when we go with the flow of His seasonal change.

There have been many things in my life that if given the choice, I would never have gone through them.  But as I have grown older and matured in my relationship with God I understand why many things were necessary.  Not only did they happen for my ultimate good, but out of them came a testimony which became my responsibility to share with someone else!  I encourage you to not only look for your new season, but to open your mind and your arms wide to embrace it. 

I would be giving you a false sense of security if I eluded to the fact that every seasonal change will be comfortable.  Some of us love summer, but during the hottest of some summer days even air conditioning doesn’t grant the comfort we need.  I know many who enjoy the cold and snow of winter, but even those who don’t mind being out in the elements from time to time become subject to frostbite!   But God always knows just how much we can bear and the words of Jeremiah 29: 11 ring true . . . “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

Look around for signs that your season may be changing along your journey to His expected end.  I leave you with a few verses of:

Ecclesiates 3: 1 – 4
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to
every purpose under the heaven;
A time to be born, and a time to die; and a
time to plant, and a time to pluck up that
which is planted:
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down,
And a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

Source: First Lady Denise