For everything there is a season, and a time for everything under heaven:” Ecclesiastes 3:1

Does that remind you of a Byrd’s song? Me too. Well, the way it looks and feels Summer and Fall are effectively over, and Winter is on our doorstep. A new season is arriving. The light and warmth of summer have given way to the dark and cold of winter. Even the birch trees have discarded their summer coverings of leaves in preparation for their winter slumber. Sometimes here in Alaska, if we don’t pay much attention, seasons can change before we even realize it. I think you would agree that our fall and spring are pretty quick.

Life can be like that too, full of quick changes! With one phone call, one test result, one conversation, boom- our lives are forever altered. We are constantly entering new phases and challenges while living here on earth. As these “seasons” change, life also changes around it.  And not just for us, but it has a trickle-down effect on others in our lives. You either deal with it or it will certainly deal with you. However, how you deal with it can have a profound impact on you individually, and others, either in a positive or negative way. 

How do we prepare for these changes without knowing what they are or when they will happen? By walking daily with the creator. By meditating on his word. By growing in our understanding of who he is and realizing how much he loves and cares for us. By learning of his goodness and sovereignty. By putting our faith in him completely and realizing whatever comes our way, it has not surprised him, and he has allowed it for my good and his glory.           

As long as we live on this earth, we will always be faced with new seasons of life, some fun and exciting, others hard and painful. This can be referred to as the balance of life. At times though, the balance of life looks and feels to be way off-kilter, and completely out of our control. But as Christians, and as those who have given our lives to Christ, we can find comfort during the upside-down seasons of life knowing that God is in control, no matter what it looks or feels like from our point of view. God’s view is eternal. 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7