What We Should Learn from Seasons

As I look out my office window I see that change is in the air. It is already becoming cooler and a few leaves are starting to turn colors. It reminds me that seasons are part of God’s design—something we often take for granted by overlooking God’s spiritual purpose for the seasons.
Solomon wrote “There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, HCSB). The Authorized (King James) translation reads “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”

With the coming of each new season comes change:  different activities and celebrations, changes in nature, and changes in perspective from reminders of the past and expectations for the future. The inevitability of seasonal changes and the fact that as humans we are powerless to change them point to the reality of God’s sovereignty. As Principle #4, page 884 in Ecclesiastes states:

“Though God has created each of us with a free will, we are to acknowledge that He is sovereign over all aspects of His creation, including our personal lives.”

Further, the longer we live the more aware we tend to become that there are seasons of life as well. As I’ve gotten older, I am aware that my life is entering the winter season. Don’t misunderstand! Lord willing, I am eager to walk through the many doors that God has placed in front of me and to finish strong! And with the coming of new life every spring, God reminds me that He is the source of my health and strength!

The passing from one season to another should remind us that life is precious and that we should all consider carefully how we live. In the words of  Paul: “Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise—making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is” (Ephesians 5:15-17).