Seasons: The Changing of Seasons

I’ve been waiting for spring.

Winter has worn hard on most of the United States this year, with barely a respite from snow and biting cold. Even in the monotony of the landscape, there is beauty in winter time (Yes, I know some will refute this!).

Our lawn wore a mantle of brown until early last month. Our lilac bush is just now beginning to sprout green leaves.

The birds are back, singing to me each morning, and I love it! Flowers blooming in vibrant colors shout of joy to my soul. Well, except for the dandelions.

Isn’t it interesting how much a change in the seasons can lift the spirit?

Summer promises warm days, green leaves catching the sun and the hope of being able to relax a little. Autumn’s cooler weather and brilliant colors refresh after the heat of summer. It invites people to huddle in close with loved ones. Even winter’s white on gray hues display stark beauty and offer the chance to draw near to those we care about.

But winter to spring, well, that’s my favorite season change. When cold gives way to the hug of warm days. Low hanging clouds morph into the cotton ball variety, promising thunder storms rather than snow.

Birdsong and flowers bursting into splashes of color are my favorite part of the season change. I can’t get enough of God’s color palette!

Season changes are easier to embrace than life changes. Sometimes I see a change coming. As my boys near those teen years, I’m already catching glimpses of the changes.

I love the stage they’re in now. Fun, exuberant and still wanting cuddle time with Mom. I keep reminding myself there will be good changes as they mature. Part of me yearns for them to stay just as they are.

Changes in my husband’s work. He has busy seasons that force longer hours into his schedule. I know it’s only for a season, but we all miss him when he travels or has a critical deadline. I know he’s providing for our family, and so the change is necessary.

Changes in my commitments. I’ve cut back on outside activities to create more time for writing. Ladies’ Bible study and lunch dates with friends take a backseat in this season as I figure out my writing journey. I miss some of this, but I’m excited to see where God leads on this path.

The changes I know will come are sometimes difficult to embrace. When I can step into them looking for the beauty God brings in the process, it’s easier to be optimistic about what’s coming. When I choose to trust God’s plan to be the best plan in the midst of the change, my spirit knows peace.

Waiting for—anticipating—life seasons can give hope during the dark moments of the current season. Knowing seasons will change infuses the spirit with hope.

What about you? What’s your favorite season? How do you deal with change in your life seasons?