Twelve months of life.
Four seasons of change.
Spring...so beautiful. Flowers bloom, butterflies emerge, trees awaken, and the birds start singing! There is nothing better than being outside and breathing in the fresh, warm air of spring! Just the thought of this gorgeous season puts a smile on my face!
And then, as the sun continues to heat up, summer arrives and the sunny days are filled with family, friends, watermelon, sunscreen, and Popsicles! Ahhh...there is nothing better than a good ol' Texas summer! Yes, the season is super hot and extremely sticky; however, it is the one I find myself looking forward to the most, year after year. I absolutely love it! The sunshine makes me happy, and as I reflect, I realize with joy, that some of my most cherished memories have been made in the summertime.
Fall appears, right on summer's tail, with the changing of the leaves. The sun still shines, although the days are cooler, and the colors are radiant! I love hearing the "crunch" under my feet as I walk and the crackle of a campfire at night. The stars fill the night skies ever so brightly during this season that at times, they can literally take your breath away.
A year of change.
If I could remove a season from our calendar...it would have to be winter. There is just something depressing about being "couped" up inside and looking out the windows on a dreary, cold day. The trees that once seemed so happy, full of leaves so green, now appear so sad as their empty branches sway in the chilly wind. Their vibrant life, forgotten for a season. Oh, how I long for the bright warmth of the summer sun on the coldest days of winter!
And yet, no matter my opinion or dislike of the season, it continues to arrive...year after year. The calendar begins... and the calendar ends...with winter.
Today, however, as I bundled up to face the day, a realization hit me:
All things must die in order for them to truly live.
It's a depressing thought, I know. But, isn't it so true?
Without the bitter, cold days of winter, we would never know the beautiful, warm days of spring. Unless the flowers die...they will never bloom. If the cold never comes, we would never desire warmth. Without darkness, no one would ever long for the light.
The seasons roll by and the years come and go. Full of change.
And yet, He is in it all.
Oh, to have eyes that are open!
"From the beginning, he prepared us. In the passing of the seasons; in the way flowers spring forth, die, and drop seeds for life to begin again; in the sunset and sunrise. Jesus' sacrifice is reenacted every day of our lives if we but have the eyes to see." -Hadassah (A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers)
He came, He lived, and He died. Three days later, He rose again, conquering death. Because of that great sacrifice and incredible victory, those who believe will live...though they die. Eternal life awaits them in heaven...praise God! What a precious gift. What a beautiful hope!
All things must die in order for them to truly live.
Oh Lord, open my eyes! May I die to myself. May I learn to truly live! On the darkest days and the coldest nights of winter, may my cries and complaints turn to shouts of joy and songs of thanksgiving. For You are good! Your light shines in the darkness and your presence warms like no fire ever could.
As another year ends and a new one begins, may we join with creation, no matter the season...and proclaim Your glory!
Happy New Year!
