Seasons

This week, whilst in Apeldoorn, interviewing our missionaries we observed a few facts.

Here in the Netherlands, things had started to fall.

Firstly, temperatures started to fall, thankfully I’d brought my jacket.

Secondly, the nights started to draw in, the amount of daylight is decreasing.

Thirdly, as the wind blew, literally thousands of acorns were falling from the oak trees around the chapel and clattering against the roof.

I won’t forget the crunching noise of all those acorns underfoot as we walked back to the car.

Days that were long and sizzling have become short and chilly.

The season has changed.

Autumn has arrived.

In nature, seasons come and go, yet nothing remains the same for very long.

Just as in nature, we experience different seasons in our life.

‘To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.’ Ecclesiastes 1:2-3.

Truly, the seasons represent our time on earth.

The leaves are falling, falling as from far,

As if far gardens in the skies were dying;

They fall, and ever seem to be denying.

And in the night the earth, a heavy ball,

Into a starless solitude must fall.

We all are falling. My own hand no less

Than all things else; behold, it is in all.

Yet there is One who, utter gentleness,

Holds all this falling in His hands to bless.

Your current season of life may be difficult, but if you pause long enough, you may find it’s also a special one with unique blessings and challenges too.

Thomas S. Monson commented on making the most of each season in our lives to “provide time for family, time for work, time for study, time for service, time for recreation, time for self — but above all, time for Christ”

I’ve learned in life, that no matter how far we may fall, Jesus Christ will always lift you up again.

What are you learning in this season of your life?