For the last 6 weeks it has been fall in Northern Colorado. There was a crispness in the air(cooler evenings/mornings & warm days). The leaves were changing from green to red, gold, orange and brown. The flowers were having their last hurrah at being vibrant in color. I was enjoying every minute of the day. Walking in my shorts during the day, riding my bike and enjoying a relaxing afternoon sitting outside in the warm sun.
With all the beauty around, there was also danger. Forest fires were beginning to pop up throughout Colorado. Within days, the dark heavy smoke was beginning to hang over our home. We were being warned about the air quality due to the wildfire smoke. Individuals, families and pets were being evacuated all around us.
Without moisture, the fires would spread. Everyone began to pray for the moisture(rain/snow) that was needed to calm the fires.
Early Sunday morning, the moisture began with rain and quickly began to change to snow due to the drop in temperature. Waking up to a pure, white snow covering our surroundings, you could almost begin to feel the heavy weight of forest fires lifted. The temperature continued to drop and it snowed all day long. By the end of the day, we had almost 10 inches of snow. The mountains received lots of snow(one to two feet). The fires have been tamed for now.
As I talk about the seasons, I think about the four different periods of the year(spring, summer, fall & winter). Times of the year that the conditions of the weather are different, as well as the temperatures. And some areas have wet or dry seasons.
Aren't our lives like seasons? I like all seasons because they all reflect something different.
I do enjoy the fall season, as you do enjoy the cooler evenings and warmer days. Changes are happening. Birds are flying south, such as the swainson hawk that flew from Loveland to Argentina; squirrels are collecting their nuts; salmon begin to swim upstream to their spawning grounds and so much more is happening.
We have all had many changes this year with COVID. Everybody has their own story or stories. God has worked among each one of us. How is He working in your life? Philippians 1:6 says "God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in His grace until His work within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns."
And now, the season is changing into winter. What does that mean? To me it means, shorter days, long nights and colder days. Does this mean that I throw in the towel? I do believe it is a time to reflect. "To be still and to know that God is God".
There are seasons in our lives to allow our roots to grow deeper. To give us the strength as we go through various trials of life. The seasons only make us stronger, if we allow them to.
Through the seasons this year, I have gone through a lot of heartache, as I heard about the death of many friends. It wasn't due to COVID, but to heart issues, cancer and other circumstances. Other friends have lost jobs or their homes; some have health issues; the hatred and disrespect among individuals and our country and others are just having a hard time understanding this pandemic.
As you experience your own season, I encourage you with these verses that mean a lot to me:
"We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
"To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see." Hebrews 11:1
"Put it in writing, because it is not yet time for it to come true. But the time is coming quickly, and what I show you will come true. It may seem slow in coming, but wait for it; it will certainly take place, and it will not be delayed." Habakkuk 2:3
"I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future, you hope for." Jeremiah 29:11
There are so many more verses to share. I know that as I have gone through my many seasons of life, God has provided scriptures for me to quote, to read and to hold on to.
I don't know what you are going through and where you have been, but I do know that there is a God that loves you and wants the best for you. Hold on to Him, hold on to His word and just hold on to life. The season will change. That is a known fact.
