Reflection Moment
Seasons of Life

We are about to see another season pass and enter into a new one. Many of us will be glad to see summer leave; especially with all of the tragedy it has brought our nation. Australia has never experienced anything as to the magnitude of the Victorian Bush Fires and the devastating flooding in Queensland and along the New South Wales Coast. Yes, many people are looking forward to the next season: autumn. What do seasons offer? One thing they offer is change. Just as the days will begin to shorten and we will be digging out our “woolies” from the closet, things are certain to change. As we change seasons, may we think about the changing seasons of our lives. Each one of us is in a different season in our life. We may feel we are in the spring season, where we feel young and vibrant, ready to conquer the world. We’re healthy, growing and active…nothing can stop us. We may be in the summer season, our families are growing, and we have good careers, nice home. Or maybe we find ourselves in the autumn season…we don’t quite have the energy we used to have, health problems are starting to emerge, our kids are growing up. It may even be the winter season for you. Your kids are grown, your health isn’t the best, and life even feels a little chilly. Well, there’s hope for all of us no matter what season we are in. Have you ever noticed the beauty in each season? Have you ever lived somewhere where the seasons didn’t change? Well, I have and honestly I didn’t like it. I missed the beautiful blossoms of spring, the hope of new life as you see baby animals and birds around. I missed the glorious foliage of autumn, the beauty of the golden and crimson leaves. And, I still miss the beauty of a cold winter…glistening snow, ice covered tree limbs and snuggling up inside with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book. Every season brings its own majesty and wonder, if we look for it. That is one of the reasons that I love decorating for each season. I love to display the beauty and awesomeness of God’s amazing creation. I love the change of each season and hope you delight in it too. Just like the changes of our natural seasons, we need to find the majesty, wonder and beauty in each season of our life. If you are in the spring season of your life don’t be praying for the days the kids are grown and gone. Enjoy the short, precious time you have with them. Spend less time on that computer and more on the floor playing games with the kids. Take long walks, start playing sports with your family while you have your health. This is a wonderful exciting time of your life…don’t wish it away. If you are in your summer season, you may find yourself very busy. Look at your priorities. What is taking up most of your time? Use this season to really build your relationships with your family. Get out there and enjoy life. Don’t work yourself into a frenzy. It isn’t worth it! If this the autumn time of your life, look for the lessons the Lord is teaching you. Maybe you’re not taking such good care of your health. Maybe that marriage or relationship is really in need of some tender loving care. Are you looking for the beauty in this time of your life? Finally, if you feel that winter is here in your life, don’t despair. You have been given a wonderful time of life to slow down, to reflect and also to give. You have gained years and years of wisdom. Are you sharing that with your kids and grandkids? Are you prepared for your eternal home? Speaking of that, we know all too well from recent events that the weather can change in a heartbeat. You may think you’re in the spring of your life, and then the cold winter storms suddenly arrive. Make sure that in whatever season you are in, that you are walking with the Creator of the Seasons. The Lord Jesus Christ wants to walk with you through every season of your life. Is tonight the night that you need to ask Him to be the Lord of your life? I would love to help you build that relationship. I promise you that you will be able to see each season of your life as a season for hope when the Lord is in it. Your life will never be the same.


Valerie Keefe