I love the imagery of seasons. the way the physical, earthly seasons parallel our physical, early seasons in life.
seasons are fascinating and difficult and beautiful. when you're in the heart of one season, it seems like it will never change. think about it: when you're building a snowman or sweating balls in the heat of summer, are you thinking about how the next season is coming? I surely am not.
about four years ago, a wise friend told me in a particularly rough season: "ash, you're just in a season. season's change."
in that moment, I wanted to thump her on the head. I was in Siberia, and she was telling me Hawaii was around the corner. I couldn't see past the snow and cold. it felt like it would surely last forever. in my mind, Hawaii didn't even exist.
and then a funny thing happened. I can't put my finger on when exactly, but I woke up one day to find lush, beautiful greenery covering my life. somehow, the cold had left and been replaced by warmth and fellowship and deep joy. my season had changed. in the same way it doesn't go from 30 F to 90 F overnight, it was a transition I can't quite pinpoint, but it was beautiful and wonderful and awe-inspiring. I remember thinking to myself, "ye of little faith. God provides. and seasons DO change. don't doubt again."
but it's hard to remember the spring when you're in fall.
and as I find myself in a particularly challenging, confusing, sometimes painful and lonely season, I am reminded of His promises. and His goodness. and that His plans don't revolve around just my life or my happiness. there's a bigger picture.
seasons change, and from the ground, new life occurs. as good ol gungor says:
all around hope is springing up from this old ground
out of chaos life is being found in You
you make beautiful things out of the dust
you make beautiful things out of us.
I suppose no matter what season we're in, it's going to change. it's the nature of life; the nature of nature. but God is good. and the final, everlasting season is life. beautiful, abundant life.
