Seasons or is that Sons of the Sea?

Summer melts into the coming fall. Weather conditions vary from hot (dry or humid) to brisk and blusterous. Each week brings a greater percentage of days bearing the illustrious colors of Autum, however a few memories of the bright adornment of summer remain.

But then that's what changing seasons do, is it not? They give you a taste of the future as you are finishing the dessert of the past. Rarely, if ever, does one season abruptly end with the onslaught of a new one. (Except, that is in the Ohio valley where Spring seems to have disappeared these past few years.)

So too, I believe with the seasons of our lives. When God brings us to a new one, He doesn't usually take us by suprise. He eases us into it. (At least that seems to be the norm for my life)

It seems at times that promises He has given takes a long time. Ever been there? "When God, when?" If we take the time to muse His actions, it may be that we could conclude He is not withholding the "goods" from us, but is easing us into a new time in our lives much as the changing seasons.

"Lord, when will I be married? When will the promised babies arrive? This ministry You've been leading me to, when Lord?" Perhaps the ground isn't ready for all that comes with that season yet? Maybe the reason you seem stuck in a season is because the time isn't yet right for the change.

When I first attended college the summer I graduated from high school, I couldn't wait to receive my degrees and be out there "saving" the psychological world. Although I understood the academics well and lessons were learned rapidly, I was not psychologically mature or ready for such a responsibility. The season could not change until the "fruits" of my personality "summer" had come full swing.

I didn't finish my degree until 20 years later. Was the promise late? No. I had to go through the university of life before I would be fully equipped to help others with their own lives. When I look back and see who I was and where I was when I thought I was ready, I shudder. So many people would have been hurt by the skewed counsel I would have given. I am thankful that God, in His wisdom waited. Throughout those 20 years, though, the winds of change were blowing, giving me a taste of what was comning without too much for me to swallow.

So, my Beloved Brethren, if you are excited by the scent of glorious change or fearing a difficult change in seasons, be at peace, for Our Precious Savior will not allow any season to overtake you until you are aptly equipped.

Ever loving you all...

Beth