Here in the Northwest we are experiencing what they call an “Indian Summer”. Each year we always hope that our Fall will be warm and the changing of the leaves – Spectacular! This year is just one of those years. My friends and family are enjoying it very much and every day someone will mention how beautiful our surroundings or show pictures of a tree in their yard. On a walk I took pictures of my beautiful neighborhood trees and foliage to show my friends and family in Florida.
I often say as the Summer is fading, “I am glad Fall is coming with it’s beauty to lift my spirits from the grief of losing Summer. Summer is my favorite season. I was raised in California and Florida…places that experience long summers and growing seasons. Fall slips by unnoticed. I never really appreciated Fall until I moved to the Northwest. Now after so many years…I have come to count on it’s arrival and cherish each day, relishing in it’s beauty and wonder. Every Summer…I know Fall is coming and it is welcomed.
As Fall fades…Winter follows with the weather turning cold and here in the Northwest-Rain! Christmas is the blessing winter brings along with warm fires and the hope of a snowy day or two. But it is not my favorite season. I tend to fight off the winter blues. But I know winter will pass and so I try to bring enjoyment to my days. I have to admit I am very glad when I start seeing signs of Spring. Spring in Portland is very beautiful and I so enjoy the anticipation of Summer. So the cycle continues year after year. It has become something I can trust.
At this time of my life I am experiencing quite a lot of stress. I won’t go into every detail of my stress, but trust me…my anxiety and concerns are real. It feels like a winter season. I know it will soon be over and I will be at peace for a time. I am also aware – I never know when stress will appear at my door. I have learned it is pretty much “a given”… stressful situations will continue to present themselves as long as I am alive.
Just as I trust the Seasons to come and go each year…so challenges in this life come and go. I try to enjoy each passing season. I savor it’s beauty and holidays. I appreciate the people in my life who celebrate along with me. So it should be …with the coming and goings of the seasons of problems, challenges and stress in our lives. We can’t let those incidents no matter how big or small…cause us to miss out on life around us.
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven”.
“I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor-it is the gift of God. I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it. and nothing taken away from it.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1,12-14
What I have learned is I must trust just as the seasons come and go – God will be with me. Jesus words being me great comfort, ” These things I have spoken to you that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.” John 16:33