Understanding and Embracing Life's Seasons

  My life as a Christian wife and mother has been consumed with a lot of changes over the last few months. I returned to school in the Spring , we relocated to another state at the beginning of the Summer and I returned to work at the end of the Summer. Arghh!!! So, needless to say, my somewhat organized lifestyle has turned into complete chaos. I’ve had to cut back on doing some of the things that I love. i.e. reading and writing. Staying fit, eating right, trips to the park, trying out new recipes for dinner, quality time with the ones that I love, etc. have gone from being effortless to almost impossible to obtain. I have entered a new season.
As depressing as I’ve made this sound, as a Christian woman I have come to understand and embrace the different seasons in life (thanks to a great mentor and First Lady), even when they don’t feel so good. I understand that as we reach for new levels, begin to walk in our callings, and pursue the prosperity that God wants for us (3 John 1:2 Beloved I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, even as your soul prospers NKJV) we will have to endure and learn to appreciate the journey.
I love to travel. Especially road trips. But for the sake of this illustration, let’s say that I am traveling to some fantasy destination by air. I’ve decided where I would like to go and at what point I would like to arrive. The only problem is dealing with all the “in between” stuff. I have to go through the strains of airport policies, walk from Concourse A to Concourse Z, sit on a 15 hour long flight, then throw in a 8 hour lay over. At this point I must decide if laying on that beautiful beach basking in the sun or sitting on the veranda watching the sun set on the mountains is worth all it will take to actually get me there.

No one that has achieved any truly great feat has gotten there by floating on a cloud filled with ease. Although you may know someone who knows someone, or are in the right place at the right time you will still have to “work”. And truth is, nothing good happens over night. It takes dedication, sacrifice, and as a Christian, the leading of Holy Spirit. The difference between a believer and a non-believer is that as believers we are not simply pursuing our own will for our lives. We should be pursuing the will of our Father. The benefit of carrying out someone else’s plan is that we do not have to carry the burdens, stress, frustrations, etc. that may come along with it. We can look to Him and actually enjoy the ride!
What good father gives his child a task but does not supply the tools to complete the task? As His children, we have been given His peace, the power of prayer, His counsel, favor, Him on the inside of us and so much more! There are so many benefits to being in Christ! This makes the journey so worthwhile. When we have these things, the colder seasons don’t seem so harsh as we can look to Him and rest assure. I have found peace in knowing that He is ordering my steps and life is a continuous journey of seasons each one leading to the next.
Caution: Don’t allow your seasons to resemble a playlist stuck on repeat. Each season should be new, fresh and better! Keep your eyes on the prize! Galatians 6:9 advises us, “Do not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Be encouraged. Don’t give up until you have reached the promised land. Don’t lock up your God-given goals and visions (your vacation plans) somewhere to be forgotten due to frustration or impatience. Identify your seasons and dress yourself accordingly.