“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3)
Growing up in Arizona I didn’t get the opportunity of experiencing the changing of the seasons. The crispness in the air and beauty of the leaves changing color in Autumn. The stillness of a fresh blanket of snow in winter. The rejuvenation and new life of spring and the bright greens of fresh new leaves after a cold hard winter.
The only season I did experience was Summer. Year round summer. No change other than it going from being unbearably hot to being less hot in winter. A constant season never changing other than the occasional monsoon rainstorm.
Solomon understood change and expressed that there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven. In the passage found in Ecclesiastes 3 we find that Solomon views all of life as a constantly shifting chain of events, all in their own place and time. Life, death. Plant, harvest. Tear down, build up. Weep, laugh. Mourn, dance. Community, isolation. Search, give up. Keep, give to the MCC thrift store. Silence, speaking. Love, hate. Peace, war. Each of life’s events has a time and a place. They are not all meant to happen at once, and they are experienced differently by every single person.
The changing of seasons is a reminder that we were created to be constantly growing and changing in our walk with God. We are not called to sit in one place and stay the same forever. These huge life events happen and we have the choice to either embrace the time and place God has us in or be miserable, wishing to be anywhere but here.
This season as you step outside and the brisk air pierces your lungs remember the words of Solomon that there is a season for everything and the promise that God is with you no matter what season of life you are in. Perhaps, it is a difficult season (like winter in Regina…or any season in Regina) have hope that the season of pain will end and spring is around the corner. Whatever the season trust in the Lord knowing that He has a perfect plan for your life.
Tom Mulhern