5 minute read
Healing Heart and Soul
by Alicia Roberts
Accepting the Seasons in Your Life
Have you ever wondered why we have seasons? For the longest time, the biggest highlight, and one of the few things that I looked forward to during the winter months, was Christmas. Winter always seemed like a slower, colder time for me, so I didn't feel that there was much excitement beyond Christmas.
Growing up in an area with four seasons, I often longed for the days with more sun, blossoming flowers, and better weather— springtime! As springtime approached, I felt my mood spring into a period of more joy and more optimism. The warmer temperatures and sun shining sprung new life for me. Summers were typically filled with bright, joyful times. I was absolutely a spring and summer girl.
Later in life, I learned to accept that the change in seasons was just a part of life. I learned to find ways to thrive and be happy in the colder months, just as I did in the warmer months. My love for the vibrancy and adventure of spring and summer didn't change; I just found ways to change my perspective about my least favorite seasons.
Natural seasons have a significant effect on vegetation and plant growth. If you are a planter, you probably understand the importance of planting seeds in the spring, nourishing them in the summer, and being able to harvest your crops in the fall. Winters are the perfect time for nourishing soil and rest for both plants and animals. Just as seasons are important in the natural sense, they are also important in our personal lives.
God uses seasons in our lives to teach us things, to help us grow and develop, to cause us to be hopeful and spring forth new energy, and to give us a period of rest. There are times when we will be in a flourishing and exciting season, and there are other times when we may need to fall back. There will be times when we are building, and there will also be times when we are tearing down and starting over. There may be times when we are filled with joy, and there will be times when we are sad and grieving. Regardless of the change in our season, it is important to remember that there is a reason, time, and purpose for everything.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace (Ecclesiastes 3, 1-8 NIV).
It is tempting for us to become frustrated, uncomfortable, and confused when change comes at us abruptly or unexpectedly. If you've ever experienced a waiting or difficult season, you may have felt impatient and wondered if you would ever get through that trying time. I want to encourage you to hang on and not lose hope during those times. There is a lesson and reward for getting through your fall and winter. If you stay the course, your soil/spirit will be richer, setting you up for a fruitful future.
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (ROMANS 8:28 NKJV)
Whether you are switching careers or jobs, going back to school, becoming a caretaker, or experiencing a loss, remember that God is always with you. We may never understand why we go through the things we experience or why some seasons are more prosperous and brighter for us than others. However, know that all things will work together for the good in our lives if God ordains it. He won't leave or forsake you. Don't be dismayed; He will be there to guide you through any difficult seasons or transitions.
Alicia has balanced life as a single mom, a Corporate America executive, entrepreneur, and serving her community. Her commitment to helping others achieve their goals inspired her to become a best-selling author, speaker, and certified confidence and inner-healing coach. In 2020, she founded The Confident Lily. If you are in need of putting the pieces of your life back together, visit www.confidentlily.com/pieces for free resources and support.
