”There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

Life is seasonal.  Like the rest of creation, our lives follow predictable patterns.

We grow from the complete helplessness of an infant, through the increasing independence of childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Over the years, our work and purpose change. And our relationships ebb and flow, when friends from an old season no longer fit our new one.  Until one day older age makes us dependent once again on the help of others.

Death alternates with new life. Loss with gain.

We cannot fight against the seasonal nature of our lives any more than we can prevent the winter winds or hold back spring rains.  But every season offers both beauty and challenge.  There is tremendous beauty in the fall, when trees release their leaves and nature enters a long-awaited rest.  Then while harsh winter winds strip away the leaves that linger on the trees, beneath the ground seeds begin preparing to bring forth new life.  The rains and mud of early spring give way to the lush, extravagant growth, which leads to the productive work and fruitful harvest of the long, hot days of summer.  

 Perhaps most beautiful of all, we know that the difficulties of each season ultimately give way to the blessings of the next.   

Questions to Consider:

• What is your favorite season and why?

• What season do you most identify with in your life right now (Loss, rest, growth, or harvest)?

• What is the beauty of this current season? The difficulties?

Prayer: Spend some time in prayer thanking God for His past faithfulness in being your oasis in times of pain or difficulty. Ask for His continued guidance through His word, presence, and the faith community to clarify oasis from mirage as you journey.