Seasons

I like seasons--even winter for a variety of reasons. Variety is one of the reasons. I enjoy the changes. Even though perfect mid 70's weather everyday has its appeal, I think I would not only get bored with it, but take it for granted. This leads to the second reason I appreciate change: appreciation. Weather that is not as fun makes you more aware of and thankful for those gorgeous days, beautiful blue skies in so many different shades, fluffy clouds, and refreshing breezes. But there is another more philosophical reason that I love seasons.....

I see seasons as an analogy for what our life should be.....not on a 3 month rotation, but at least within the week and even daily.

I think most of us are stuck in summer, going full speed ahead, doing everything we can possible do. We cannot realistically keep this pace, and the quality can suffer without the other phases.

We need to move to fall, as a cool down and prelude to winter. Just likes it not good to stop hard exercise without cool down, we need to phase out of full speed to the slower pace on a regular basis.

Ah winter, except for ice storms with loss of electricity for days and dangerous roads, it has its own charm. This season represents more than any what we probably lack in our lives--rest and reflection. Without rest and reflection, we do not learn from or fully appreciate experiences. I look at bare trees and know they are resting, storing nourishment, and preparing for the next, and possibly most glorious of seasons. Perhaps this should be an analogy for quiet prayer and devotional time that we have trouble "squeezing in" sometimes. This prayer and ponder/rest and reflection should be a priority.

If we are using the rest and reflection, we can get so much more for the next season, which is spring. Using gained wisdom can help us see and enjoy new opportunities and possibilities that we might not see or feel ready for.

Next time you are feeling down due to dreary skies and cold weather, ask God to help you use seasons as a way to live life to its fullest and to His plan.

Heart Breaking News

Refer to my July 9th post as a background to this sad news about twins who had been in foster care with a family who wanted to adopt them for almost 2 1/2 years--since infancy. They had started scattered visitations over the last several months with parents who have made a multitude of seriously poor choices in their recent past. Details would help you see how bewildering it is that they have been now returned to their mother without visitation to the only extended family and friends they have known, trusted, and loved for their whole lives.

I pray that we continue prayers for the welfare of these girls by praying that if they are going to be with biological parents--that these parents will be loving and responsible and have the necessary support to do so. I also pray for the foster family's grief and worry for these girls. Please help with these prayers and that IF it becomes necessary for them to go back into the "system" that they will return to the family they are familiar with.