“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
If we are blessed to live a full life, we come to realize that not so different than nature itself – our life is defined by seasons. Every season is different, each having its own purpose and laying a foundation for the next. While the seasons of nature are somewhat predictable; the seasons of life . . . well, not so much. In the Spring of our life, we are always trying to catch up with our wonderment, the chasing of dreams, and yearning for the hopes of a bright future. Summer is the season of productivity when we attempt to make our mark on the canvas of life. Often these days pass us by far too quickly, and in our busyness – we seldom pause to take in the warmth of the precious moments. It might not be until Autumn when we take the opportunity to reap the harvest. It may only be then that our life begins to reflect a tapestry, an intricate sequencing of events that for the first time begins to make sense. By this time, many have become grandparents, and what they have learned can be passed on to future generations.
In her book “Everything Beautiful in Its Time: Seasons of Love and Loss” – Jenna Bush Hager, the former first daughter and granddaughter, shares stories about all four of her beloved grandparents. In the course of one year’s time, she and her family lost Barbara and George H. W. Bush as well as Jenna Welch, her maternal grandmother and namesake. In her writings she remembers the past, cherishes the present, and prepares for the future by reflecting on their ‘passed-on’ wisdom that has helped to shape her life. In one passage, she recalls the family tradition of walking after dinner to the gate at her grandparent’s home in Maine. Jenna says that there was no purpose for this beyond spending a moment together after a meal, getting a little exercise before bedtime. She writes, “This is what life is all about. Until it’s your time to enter the gates of Heaven and join those in your family who have died, you walk to the gates and walk back. You hope that the sky is clear so that you can see the moon glowing over the ocean. And you hope to always walk with those you love by your side.”
As with life itself, our Christian journey also has its seasons. “Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation” (1 Peter 2:2). No doubt Peter well remembered a time when Jesus used the image of an aging person to assess his commitment: “Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go” (John 21:18). He would caution us to recognize that life is short (James 4:14) and that the beauty of youth is soon gone (1 Peter 1:24). We should take joyful advantage of all the God-given gifts, talents, wisdom, and opportunities we are provided. As we transition through life’s seasons, we should pause to consider that “The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old” (Proverbs 20:29). In doing so, we must recognize that learning from a righteous elderly person is an honor and a privilege. We should listen to them intently and give them the respect that they deserve.
Christian author and speaker Joyce Meyer has stated – “We must remember there are different seasons in our lives and let God do what He wants to do in each of those seasons.” Our activity in this world will be meaningful when we rely on His wisdom, His timing, and His goodness. While the seasons of our lives are not predictable in their intensity or length, they do point to One who never changes and is always dependable—the same, year after year (Hebrews 13:8). Even in those seasons of waiting and darkness, God is there walking with us and will never abandon us to face difficult times alone (Deuteronomy 31:8). Eventually the season of Winter will arrive for each of us. As it does, we will know that we have made it through to the conclusive season of this earthly life. Hopefully we have transitioned well and find ourselves with a firm foundation of faith. For we realize that our next Spring will be one of life eternal, as we stand in the presence of He who made us. What a heavenly season it will be!
REFLECTION: If you examined your life right now, what season would you say you are currently experiencing? Are you seeking ways to redeem your current life season for God’s glory? How do you show respect and guidance for those who are in a different season of their life?