Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 [ESV]
1For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
2 a time to be born, and a time to die;a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3 a time to kill, and a time to heal;a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh;a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 a time to seek, and a time to lose;a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 a time to tear, and a time to sew;a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 a time to love, and a time to hate;a time for war, and a time for peace.
One christian author writes: "Newcomers.....get the false impression that there will hardly be much of a winter, so they continue.....sightseeing and relaxation with little regard for the deep freeze that inevitably arrives.
Seasoned souls are not so foolish....they use that brief interlude to prepare for winter's bitter blast. Early on I have learned a valuable lesson, that winter can be endured with much greater success if you prepared for its arrival."
Learn to recognize your life's seasons.........
A change-of-season can come disguised as a job lay-off or the loss of a loved one. It can come as a new relationship or a promotion. It can also manifest itself in a sense of restlessness: a feeling that you've outgrown something that once excited and challenged you.
Season are growth opportunities that keep you progressing towards the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan for your life. Sticking with the familiar can be fatal. It's dangerous to wait until your circumstances change before making a move that God has already ordained.
The best way to avoid that is by
a) staying closely connected to Him; b) developing your spiritual radar; c) moving without doubt or hesitation whenever He says it's time.
So while you're taking down your decorations and Christmas lights, take down those old attitudes that are hindering you from confidently moving into the next season God has for you.
The art of living means recognizing the seasons, navigating through them, and squeezing the joy out of every minute en route.
