Seasons

10/1/2011

Dear friends in Christ:

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."

- Ecclesiastes 3:1

Summer has come and gone. The leaves are beginning to change color, it is cool enough to wear a jacket sometimes, and the kids are back to school - autumn has begun. There are four seasons in our climate, but we can experience many different "seasons" in our lives. Ecclesiastes 3:2-8 are examples for us. There is indeed a time for everything.

My daughter, Emily, has experienced a change in her life, or a "new season." She not only started back to school, but she went to a new school building. She was in Western Elementary and is now at Eastern Elementary. When she knew she had to change schools, she became anxious and scared. These are normal feelings when there is a change in life. However, after the first day of school she said she loved her teacher and the school was great. (She even said that some of the meals are better at Eastern - very important!)

My mother-in-law just began a "new season" in her life. She has surpassed the five year mark from when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. This five year mark from the time of her surgery and chemotherapy make her officially cancer free. This season in her life is one of celebration and joy. However, a change in the seasons of our lives may be frightening and may not affect us in a positive way.

A colleague of mine recently e-mailed me with news that he has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer which has metastasized to his liver. He is facing it with great courage and hope. He has been accepted into a clinical trial and is receiving a new experimental drug and chemotherapy.

For him, this "new season" is a difficult one to say the least.

What "new season" are you facing in life? Beginning a new career, or retiring after many years? Celebrating the birth of a child or mourning the death of a loved one? Buying your first home or downsizing due to an "empty nest"? Whatever "new season" you are facing in life, remember that you don't face it alone.

The poem Footprints in the Sand reminds us that God walks with us through all the "seasons" of our lives, and, if necessary, will carry us through the most difficult ones. So whatever new "season" you may be experiencing, trust in the presence of God. I find solace in Psalm 46:10 - "Be still, and know that I am God!"

With Christ's love,

Rev. Steve

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