The creek is beautiful in every season.
I took a walk today and definitely felt the nip of fall in the air. I have already heard my daughter say “I can’t wait for fall.” Initially, I found myself agreeing with her. Then I started thinking about how we are always in a rush to get to the next season. You know what I’m talking about. When you are in middle school, you can’t wait to get to high school. When you are in high school, you can’t wait to get to college. When you are in college, you can’t wait to get out and get that first job. When we date, we can’t wait to get married; then we can’t wait to have a baby. The list is endless about how we like to rush life or try to speed up time.
Now there’s a difference between looking forward to the next season with optimism and missing out on the current one because we are obsessed with the next one. I have always struggled with this issue. I’m a planner and I love to plan all of my next steps. There’s a plaque I once saw that read, “We plan; God laughs.” I feel like whoever wrote it, had my name on it. I have learned that planning gives me a sense of control and therein lies the rub. I like to control my surroundings and my future.
God has a different plan. He says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 NIV He says, ” For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV Is he saying I need to stop worrying about what’s coming next and start enjoying the season I am in right now? Is he saying that he has his own plans for me? I believe that is exactly what he is saying. I think he’s saying, “I’ve got this. You just worry about doing what is in front of you today, in this season, in this moment.”
Well, that’s a load off, but focusing on today is easier said than done. So I am asking myself, what season am I in and I’m asking you, what season are you in? Is it one of growth? Is it one of rest? Maybe it’s a really tough season, a valley time. Maybe it’s an exciting time or a frightening time. Maybe it’s a bone crushing painful time. Whatever the season we are in, I think we should stop and take a deep breath, look around and recognize where we are. If it’s a happy season, give thanks for it; enjoy it. If it’s a painful or sad season, ask for continued strength and know that God is with you and no season lasts forever. If it’s a season of rest, savor it; because there may be mountains to climb up ahead.
Being still is difficult for me, but something I’m really working on. Living in the moment and appreciating this day without looking forward is also tough, but with God’s help, I’m learning. How are you doing with your current season? Think about it and then go enjoy the last blast of summer as fall edges in. It will be Christmas before you know it.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂