The Four Seasons

…I will listen to what God the Lord says;
he promises peace to his people,
his faithful servants—
Love and faithfulness meet together;
righteousness and peace kiss each other.
Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,
and righteousness looks down from heaven.
The Lord will indeed give what is good,
and our land will yield its harvest.

…from Psalm 85

The change of seasons provides for us a metaphor for better living. Each season has its joys and sorrows. Yet each season offers us hope for today and the future. As the seasons change so do the circumstances in our lives.

We can face these changes with confidence because we know that God is faithful to bring us through life’s challenges.  I am reminded of this in the favorite hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” Consider these words:

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

The season of Winter looms before us. Yet the cold of Winter offers for us a time to be silent and reflective. It’s a cozy thing to snuggle up to a fire with a cup of hot chocolate and reminisce. Winter then gives way to the beauty and hope of Springtime. The flowers begin to open, the trees bud and life wakes up from its dormancy. The cares of the season of cold melt away. Seamlessly, the warmth of Summer entices us to the playful joys and relaxations of carefree living, and we enjoy each other’s company. For those who have tended the crops and gardens throughout the rains and droughts of Summer their efforts are finally rewarded at harvesttime. A time of gratitude and generosity when we share the goodness God has provided for us with one another.

There is so much goodness each season offers us. But we don’t have to wait to enjoy each of these benefits until the season changes. Remember Wintertime each day and reserve some silent time to reflect on God’s faithfulness. Each day surround yourself with the beautiful sentiments Springtime gives us and know that hope is alive and well in all circumstances. As Summer offers carefree living, give wind to your fears and each day live a life of joyfulness that trusting in God provides. Finally, with grateful and thankful hearts look for all the goodness that God surrounds us with. God’s mercies are new every morning. Celebrate this Fall with a grateful heart by sharing God’s love to all.

“Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand.” - Mother Teresa

+ Campus Pastor Lane Skoglund-Anderson

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