Ecclesiastes 3
Ecclesiastes 3
I have read in the Bible in Ecclesiastes chapter 3 about there being a time and a season for everything. I also read that God is in control of those seasons. Seasons can be so comforting, confusing, and life changing.
As summer turns to fall we get very excited in our house. Our roots run deep for Crimson Tide football. We never pass up an opportunity to say "Roll Tide" when we pass someone in public who is clad in our colors. This year fall was a welcome change because we began our journey homeschooling. Then there's the enjoyment we get from camping; it is pure bliss. The fact that I can wear my sweatshirt with flip flops while sitting by a popping campfire absolutely makes me smile so big! And as fall gives way to winter I am in my element. I love to be cold. I love that people clothe themselves properly in the cold, and I love that everything green fades. As spring approaches, we get ready for Atlanta Braves baseball. Disclaimer- we are not going to discuss the rebuilding phase we are still coming through. We enjoy watching the kids play baseball. We love the crazy flavors of sunflower seeds out there and we enjoy the longer lasting daylight. Then, all that died in the yard comes back to life with a new found vibrance! Spring then yields to the heat of summer and we are ready to hike, kayak, and play.
After all of the seasons play out we have so many memories to look back on from a year of triumphs, successes, heart aches, and spiritual milestones. But all of the things we love about the seasons are merely earthly comforts.
Then there is the ever notable confusion that comes with the changing of seasons. In Alabama we may get snow, rain, and tornadoes all in one day. We never really know what the weather is going to do. If winter doesn't get cold enough the bugs don't die off and the plants come in early. Usually, out of nowhere a frost will then hit late in spring and jolt the greenery that has emerged from the ground. Confusion to say the least.
I find that as seasons change so does life itself. In a single season people can change jobs, move to a new home or new state, build or tear down relationships. There is so much to be found in a season. The seasons that I find most intriguing are the spiritual seasons we go through. Sometimes there's drought and we don't feel productive in following Christ. Sometimes we feel frozen and bogged down by a cold snap that can paralyze us with fear or depression. Sometimes we are hanging in between a winter that won't yield to spring and we feel caught in between growth and the past holding us back. My favorite season has become seasons of growth. They hurt. They are cold at times. The daylight seems like it's never going to break. In seasons of growth God forges change to make me who He wants me to be. I am sometimes resistant to the things God wants to lead me into. I am working on that. I want to remain under God's authority at all times. There are certain times for everything under heaven. I am in a time of searching for Gods plan for me. I have recently been in a season of tough choices and even tougher goodbyes. I am coming out of a season currently. I can feel big changes on the brink. You might say my spirit is preparing me for change. I anticipate whatever is next. I have had to face some sins in my life head on and ask God to guide me in His path. He certainly is doing that. I have had to face a time in my life where God gave me responsibility and I squandered it. But that season does not define me.
What season are you in most presently? For my dad's family they are full swing looking after The Matriarch. Aunt Pat to most, but grandma to me. Always has been and always will be. My grandma can throw down in the kitchen. Well, she used to be able to. This woman who I have honestly never been around and not seen or heard her reading about Jesus, now has a terrible disease that takes the mind and then slowly robs the body.
In this season, I see sadness in my family. I see a relentless daughter and sons, and precious Papaw who are ever at her side. It's beautiful to see, yet heart wrenching at the same time. My grandma taught me about the disgusting fly. Flies are gross, she would say. They feed on trash, rottenness, and disease. She compared that to a life without Christ. We are all flies. We feed on the garbage of this world, we allow our children to make the decisions, and men don't lead the home anymore. Flies feed on rotten food for nourishment. They can be found multiplying in garage cans all over the world. She told me that I didn't want to be a fly. Flies simply spoil things. I never forgot that simple lesson- never.
In my life I have found myself in sin that seemed to smell of garbage and rottenness. Then one day God called my name. He invited me to put my trust in Him. Everything changed. I haven't always done it right, but I want to and so I keep striving. Grandma has always had a passion for Jesus. She is a bride in white in every sense of the picture that comes to your mind. She's been waiting, and waiting for her groom to come get her. She has been faithful. She has fought the good fight. She has counselled. She has loved in all situations. She has given of herself on every turn . She has been all these things because of the overflow of Christ in her life. Her desire to please God made every decision a no brainer for her. I want to follow that legacy. I don't live close to my childhood home anymore because God has me serving in another field, but I was able to steal away this past weekend and visit Grandma.
I am going to share a picture I will forever cherish. My papaw walks in to see his wife and says " Good morning Mrs. Logan." Her head lovingly turns toward him and he kisses her forehead. He affectionately calls her Papaw's Doll. I will treasure this intimate moment I was blessed to capture.
We don't know how long this season will last. We have no idea when this season of uncertainty and sadness will turn. We do know that whenever Jesus decides he's ready to come get his bride, she is ready. She told us so. Her crown is going to be hefty folks. Her mansion will be amazing I'm sure! But if I know my grandma like I think I do- none of that will matter.
When this season changes you can look for Grandma at Jesus feet. Thanks for always pointing me to Jesus. Thanks for always letting me rummage through your house so that I knew where everything was...Except that locked box in your night stand.... Thanks for always being the same. You are a portrait of a woman who is waiting for her groom. I want to walk worthy of your legacy. Your race is not over yet. God may give you many more years. I'm sure you will use them as a testimony of God's grace.
Well done grandma, what a faithful servant you are sister!
I have read in the Bible in Ecclesiastes chapter 3 about there being a time and a season for everything. I also read that God is in control of those seasons. Seasons can be so comforting, confusing, and life changing.
As summer turns to fall we get very excited in our house. Our roots run deep for Crimson Tide football. We never pass up an opportunity to say "Roll Tide" when we pass someone in public who is clad in our colors. This year fall was a welcome change because we began our journey homeschooling. Then there's the enjoyment we get from camping; it is pure bliss. The fact that I can wear my sweatshirt with flip flops while sitting by a popping campfire absolutely makes me smile so big! And as fall gives way to winter I am in my element. I love to be cold. I love that people clothe themselves properly in the cold, and I love that everything green fades. As spring approaches, we get ready for Atlanta Braves baseball. Disclaimer- we are not going to discuss the rebuilding phase we are still coming through. We enjoy watching the kids play baseball. We love the crazy flavors of sunflower seeds out there and we enjoy the longer lasting daylight. Then, all that died in the yard comes back to life with a new found vibrance! Spring then yields to the heat of summer and we are ready to hike, kayak, and play.
After all of the seasons play out we have so many memories to look back on from a year of triumphs, successes, heart aches, and spiritual milestones. But all of the things we love about the seasons are merely earthly comforts.
Then there is the ever notable confusion that comes with the changing of seasons. In Alabama we may get snow, rain, and tornadoes all in one day. We never really know what the weather is going to do. If winter doesn't get cold enough the bugs don't die off and the plants come in early. Usually, out of nowhere a frost will then hit late in spring and jolt the greenery that has emerged from the ground. Confusion to say the least.
I find that as seasons change so does life itself. In a single season people can change jobs, move to a new home or new state, build or tear down relationships. There is so much to be found in a season. The seasons that I find most intriguing are the spiritual seasons we go through. Sometimes there's drought and we don't feel productive in following Christ. Sometimes we feel frozen and bogged down by a cold snap that can paralyze us with fear or depression. Sometimes we are hanging in between a winter that won't yield to spring and we feel caught in between growth and the past holding us back. My favorite season has become seasons of growth. They hurt. They are cold at times. The daylight seems like it's never going to break. In seasons of growth God forges change to make me who He wants me to be. I am sometimes resistant to the things God wants to lead me into. I am working on that. I want to remain under God's authority at all times. There are certain times for everything under heaven. I am in a time of searching for Gods plan for me. I have recently been in a season of tough choices and even tougher goodbyes. I am coming out of a season currently. I can feel big changes on the brink. You might say my spirit is preparing me for change. I anticipate whatever is next. I have had to face some sins in my life head on and ask God to guide me in His path. He certainly is doing that. I have had to face a time in my life where God gave me responsibility and I squandered it. But that season does not define me.
What season are you in most presently? For my dad's family they are full swing looking after The Matriarch. Aunt Pat to most, but grandma to me. Always has been and always will be. My grandma can throw down in the kitchen. Well, she used to be able to. This woman who I have honestly never been around and not seen or heard her reading about Jesus, now has a terrible disease that takes the mind and then slowly robs the body.
In this season, I see sadness in my family. I see a relentless daughter and sons, and precious Papaw who are ever at her side. It's beautiful to see, yet heart wrenching at the same time. My grandma taught me about the disgusting fly. Flies are gross, she would say. They feed on trash, rottenness, and disease. She compared that to a life without Christ. We are all flies. We feed on the garbage of this world, we allow our children to make the decisions, and men don't lead the home anymore. Flies feed on rotten food for nourishment. They can be found multiplying in garage cans all over the world. She told me that I didn't want to be a fly. Flies simply spoil things. I never forgot that simple lesson- never.
In my life I have found myself in sin that seemed to smell of garbage and rottenness. Then one day God called my name. He invited me to put my trust in Him. Everything changed. I haven't always done it right, but I want to and so I keep striving. Grandma has always had a passion for Jesus. She is a bride in white in every sense of the picture that comes to your mind. She's been waiting, and waiting for her groom to come get her. She has been faithful. She has fought the good fight. She has counselled. She has loved in all situations. She has given of herself on every turn . She has been all these things because of the overflow of Christ in her life. Her desire to please God made every decision a no brainer for her. I want to follow that legacy. I don't live close to my childhood home anymore because God has me serving in another field, but I was able to steal away this past weekend and visit Grandma.
I am going to share a picture I will forever cherish. My papaw walks in to see his wife and says " Good morning Mrs. Logan." Her head lovingly turns toward him and he kisses her forehead. He affectionately calls her Papaw's Doll. I will treasure this intimate moment I was blessed to capture.
We don't know how long this season will last. We have no idea when this season of uncertainty and sadness will turn. We do know that whenever Jesus decides he's ready to come get his bride, she is ready. She told us so. Her crown is going to be hefty folks. Her mansion will be amazing I'm sure! But if I know my grandma like I think I do- none of that will matter.
When this season changes you can look for Grandma at Jesus feet. Thanks for always pointing me to Jesus. Thanks for always letting me rummage through your house so that I knew where everything was...Except that locked box in your night stand.... Thanks for always being the same. You are a portrait of a woman who is waiting for her groom. I want to walk worthy of your legacy. Your race is not over yet. God may give you many more years. I'm sure you will use them as a testimony of God's grace.
Well done grandma, what a faithful servant you are sister!
