I always say I’m more of a fall person…..until spring comes! Then I get taken in by all of the new flowers, new grass, new rain, new smells, just all the….new!
There is a kind of hope that comes with springtime. Living things that have been laying dormant and quiet begin to awake and, given a little water and lots of sunshine, start growing like crazy – sometimes you can actually see the growth overnight. It’s an impressive, beautiful display of new life!
I actually appreciate all of the seasons; spring, summer, fall (my favorite, until things start growing!) and even winter. They all serve a purpose – are vital each in their own way to the restoration and renewal of the earth. I don’t think anyone would argue that point….right? So….why do you think we are continually surprised by the changing “seasons” in our lives?
The Bible has much to tell us about life seasons, probably the most familiar passage being found in Ecclesiastes 3:
“There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance….”
I also love this little verse from the first Psalm that reminds us that fruit is seasonal….that even when trees are planted by water sources and all of the conditions are right for growing – the fruit isn’t year-round. The tree prepares for it, nurtures the environment for it, then in its season, is rewarded with fruit, but not without a lot of “behind the scenes” non-seasonal growth happening!
Psalm 1:3
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.
I’m grateful to have been drawn to the wonder of seasons on this Lenten journey we are sharing together….I’m grateful to be reminded that in order to bear fruit – and good fruit at that – it takes time….and energy….and thought….and surrender. Every season in our lives can’t be “springtime”, any more than God created us to continually lay dormant in the winters of life either. There is a purpose to ALL of our seasons – even ones we would never have invited….
This song by Lincoln Brewster reminds us that no matter what season we’re in, we can always find hope in the One who calls us to new life. And that’s a year-round promise!
Made New
Lincoln Brewster
You’re pulling me close
With love You surround me
You give me hope
You’re taking me deeper
You’re making me whole
With grace You redeem me
You restore my soul
Now I’m made new
Because of You
You hold my head up
You remind me who I am
You hold my head up
I’m alive in You again
I’m made new
You’re making me stronger
You’re healing my heart
With Your hands You hold me
And You set me apart
You are my salvation
I will not fear
You’re the strength of my life
I won’t fear
Shellie, I am so enjoying your 40 days/40 songs. I have bought each song on iTunes and will be glad to have them in my music library. I’ll revisit the albums in time as well.
I miss you! I would love to get together with you for lunch or something soon. Let me know.
God bless you and Tom and Kelsey and Boaz! What a great Biblical name for your new pup!
You are all always in my prayers.