From a green Christmas, to a cold-somewhat-stormy January, and now a moderate February – a typical Canadian, southwestern Ontario, winter.
I value each of the four seasons, yet each has its unpredictable moments. Weather influences our mood, farming and outdoor jobs, and our appointments. Snow days and fog leave parents scrambling.
Our life-span includes periods of time we call ‘seasons’. Each is unique, having predictable and unpredictable patterns. Solomon wrote, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” Infancy, childhood, the teens, and adult years have inherent characteristics.
I’m in the senior ‘season’. As an aside, I often note some 45-year-olds going on 90, and 90-year-olds going on 45. (I’m in the latter group!) For me, it’s not about aging, rather about becoming more ‘seasoned’. I want to be a ‘keen-ager’ – which includes an afternoon nap!
Each season involves growth, and learning to cope with its unknowns. We search for support in facing challenges and realities. I find assurance and courage:
- Knowing others have Gone Before Me.
They have walked this path. Their experiences, learning, creativity, and mistakes benefit me. It is encouraging to hear, “I’ve been there. I know how you feel. Let’s talk.” They are saying, “You are NOT alone.”
- Knowing I can Trust ‘Safe’ People
I watch them. I like what I see. They demonstrate success, reliability, honesty, and wisdom. These people of integrity have earned my trust. They are so eager to help me along. Consider the parents, grandparents, teachers, mentors, and Christ-followers who have COME ALONG SIDE us for that reason. Again, they indicate, “I’m here for you; trust me. You are NOT alone.”
- Knowing I CAN walk through the Changing ‘Seasons’.
I feel reassured, I manage my fears, and am more confident. I have taken a step…I’m still standing! I am learning to TRUST – to be a listening apprentice. How blessed I am, showing up for every ‘season’, knowing I am NOT Alone!
O-o-h-h, let me mention my special Friend. His name is Jesus, the Son of God. He knows by experience the seasons of infancy, childhood, the teen years, and of being a young adult.
Having died at 33 years, He did not become a senior. He did, however, experience changing times – including suffering, death, and burial. He can rightfully say, “I’ve been there.”
After coming to life again He returned to Heaven; He is now a supportive high priest for every Christ-follower to talk to. He connects with us in that, “We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4)
Jesus is my perfect FRIEND for every changing season. I may not know what the future holds, but I know He holds my future.
As I seek His support, He gives grace and mercy to continue, I feel safe with Him, I trust Him. His promise, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” stands; I am NOT ALONE!
“Are you with me?”
Pastor Bill Terris