Here in the Midwest, winter seems to have lingered much longer than usual. In late April we still had a few snow days! As the days began to lengthen, our temperatures did not rise. Working in a public school, the students’ depression was palpable. Everyone needed to see spring.
But now, after waiting months and months, we practically skipped spring and jumped directly into summer.
As our school year comes to an end, this teacher can’t wait to get out in the garden, fill the bird feeders and enjoy God’s great creation bursting forth all around.
Lavender plants on the deck beckon the backyard birds, bountiful in colors of red,yellow, and blue.
Hummingbird feeders call to the colorful ‘helicopters’ hovering over the butterfly bush nearby.
The trees are in full leaf, providing color and shade, creating a restful retreat.
Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us that there is a time for everything, a season for all things under the sun.
God also teaches us, “He has made everything appropriate in its time.” (Ecc3:11a HSCB)
There was a reason for our delay in the change of seasons. We may not see it, or can name it today, but we can trust He had a plan for that.
The second part of that verse declares, “He has also put eternity in their hearts but man cannot discover the work God has done from beginning to end.”
While we can exercise our faith in trusting He has a purpose in our waiting, we often cannot even imagine what He is doing.
Maybe you are currently in a winter season waiting desperately for summers rays to warm your heart and soul. Maybe you’ve been in a prolonged winter and can’t understand why the season won’t change.
Friend, I want to send you a hug and whisper into your heart, keep believing.
Believe there is a purpose in this season.
Believe the winter will end.
Believe He will bring the summer.
Believe He has your very best interest at heart.
Believe that one day soon you will bask in the sun’s warm rays and drink in the beauty that was prepared and cultivated during that winter season.
Reflection: How do you wait in your ‘winters?’