I’m sitting outside on my porch swing this morning with my Bible and my tea….and a blanket and hoodie…..listening to the rain. It’s actually a nice break from the 90’ish degree heat we’ve had the last couple of weeks. And it’s made me a bit nostalgic….
No worries, though. It’s supposed to be back in the 80’s by Monday. The temps will go up and down like a yo-yo the next couple of months before we settle in for our cold six (or seven….or eight) months of winter.
That’s really something I love about Ohio – the seasons. The hot summers. The beautiful fall colors (my favorite). Winter (NOT my favorite). And spring flowers – the hope of warmth and light and life.
We thought about moving at one point somewhere south or somewhere warm all year round, but I would truly miss the seasons. Even winter.
Some seasons we run towards – like summer and the letting go of hectic school schedules, warm sunshine and days at the pool. Even fall with the changing of the leaves and hoodies and bonfires and s’mores. Oh, and football.
Then other seasons we brace against – like the long, cold winters. Last year I think we had more days below zero degrees than above. And “THEY” (who is they anyway?) are calling for an even colder winter this year. Help us, Lord!
And in my life, I look back at seasons I loved and could do over and over and over again. Full of light and life and joy and warmth in abundance. And I’m thankful for them.
And then there are seasons I would just as soon forget ever happened. Seasons that I braced against that were so dark and cold and seemed so endless. Seasons I wondered, “Why, God, why?” And I’m thankful for them too.
Every season has a purpose. Every single one. Even the ones we don’t love. Even the ones we brace against and just beg God for it to end. Even winter.
Looking back at those dark times now, although I would never want to do them again, I wouldn’t change them either.
I wouldn’t change them because of who they made me. Because of the power of God and the miracles I got to experience for myself. Before them, I only knew in theory that He would never abandon me. Now I really know what that means. I’ve experienced the tangibleness of His presence constantly with me, and it’s priceless.
I’ve experienced for myself Romans 8 – He does work all things together for our good. He’s done it for me…and the level of intimacy that takes your walk with God to is exponential….and I love it.
And – He’s truly brought beauty from the ashes in my life. And from this place of beauty, the memories aren’t as dark or as painful as when I walked through them.
Some seasons we run towards. Some seasons we brace against. But every single season has a purpose. Sometimes they drag on and on. Or they can change in the blink of an eye. Suddenly.
March 21st is the “official” end of winter and start of spring. But here in Ohio, it’s just a day on the calendar. Winter hangs on some years until we’re well into May.
We can’t change the season. We can’t change the weather. It is what it is whether we like it or not.
So take time to embrace where you are today. Right now. Right this very minute…even if it’s not where you want to be.
If you’re in summer – enjoy it. Live every minute of it. Soak in all those memories like the sun and pile them up like firewood to burn on a cold day in the dead of winter.
And if it’s dark, press in to Him. He will give you strength and carry you through. He really will work it all out for your good. I promise. HE promised. And He’s faithful.
My husband wrote a song Beauty in the Broken that will encourage you if you’re in a dark place….take a listen.
Beauty from ashes
Joy from the pain
You can make roses come from the rain
And You know my name…..