For Now; Not Forever

The shift in seasons is finally in full swing. Just a few short weeks ago, it was blazing hot here in southern Indiana, with temperatures in the 90’s. Many of us were beginning to wonder if the hot and dry weather of late summer would ever pass. As I made the trek to my frost covered truck the other day, I found myself lamenting the chill in the air. While I love the snow, I’m not looking forward to months of clouds and cold. Ready or not, here it comes.

The crunch of the leaves beneath my feet brought me back to the present moment. I took a moment to consider the vibrant colors scattered on the trees around me. I found myself feeling hopeful, as I often do in the fall. Those colorful leaves will only be there for but a moment and then they’ll fall and be gone, but they’ve always served as a hopeful reminder. The seasons do change. If you don’t enjoy the realities of one season, just hold on. As sure as the world turns, a new season is on the horizon.

In seasons of struggle, it’s difficult to muster the hope necessary to consider past successes or the possibility of salvation to come.

This is an overarching truth of life. What we see demonstrated in weather patterns is also manifest in our experiences in life in general. The situations and seasons of our lives are constantly in a state of adaptation and adjustment. While we are in the midst of seasons of storm, struggle, doubt, and despair, it often feels like it will never end. Our attention is naturally drawn to the difficulty of our current situation. In those moments, it takes all of our energy and effort to simply survive. Seasons of trial are lonely and draining. In seasons of struggle, it’s difficult to muster the hope necessary to consider past successes or the possibility of salvation to come.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed in the face of fears, failures, and frustrations. We must take heart, though. The struggles we face are rarely permanent. Even the most troubling of issues have a limited shelf life. Many times, our issues have a way of working themselves out and passing naturally like the seasons. At other times, we have to put a measure of effort and energy into bringing about resolution. One of the wonders of the life God has granted us is there is usually hope for healing, restoration, and renewal. Though sorrow may rule the day today, the potential of joy rests in the morning to come. As the psalmist writes, “Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”

The leaves loudly announce a physical and spiritual truth; a new day will dawn and a new season is on the horizon.

Life isn’t always sunshine and summer. At the same time, it isn’t always winter and snow storms. Successes lose their luster. Struggles will pass away.  In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon writes, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven (ESV).” He then goes through a sort of plus/minus list, pointing to both seasons of hope and seasons of sorrow. Seasons change. In the moment, particularly during difficult seasons, it’s easy to believe the struggle will last forever. The season you’re facing is just for now; it’s not forever. Enjoy the sun while it shines. Weather the storms when they come. Take heart. Be encouraged. The leaves loudly announce a physical and spiritual truth; a new day will dawn and a new season is on the horizon.