31 Days of Living Art: Seasons

I was begrudgingly trying to scrape the ice off of my windshield this morning.  In the midst of shoving the ice scraper back and forth for the thousandth time and pieces of ice flying into my face, I thought, "I wish it was summer."  

We do that a lot, don't we?  Just a few months ago I was sitting at baseball games in 99 degree weather, sweating buckets and thinking, "I can't wait for winter."  

We want the seasons to change, and then they do...and then in the middle of that season we wish for the other season.  We're so fickle.

Seasons in life aren't much different.

a new job
moving
boredom
restlessness
grief
a new relationship
heartbreak

Seasons come, and when the newness wears off we start getting restless and wondering what's next.

Today I had to remind myself to stop and enjoy winter, because winter won't last forever.  

Whatever season you're in, be there.  Fully there.  Take every lesson found there and learn from it.  If it's a good season, be content but not complacent.  If it's a bad season, be hopeful that another season is coming.  Just like we know the weather changes, we know life changes, so anticipate change but don't be so busy worrying about the next season that you mentally check out of this one.  I don't have an eloquent way to word that, that's all I got.  But I think it's important.

Today when all of this was swirling around in my head, I was reminded of a Nichole Nordeman song called "Every Season"

Every evening sky, an invitation to trace the patterned stars
And early in July, a celebration for freedom that is ours
And I notice You in children’s games
In those who watch them from the shade
Every drop of sun is full of fun and wonder
You are summer

And even when the trees have just surrendered to the harvest time
Forfeiting their leaves in late September and sending us inside
Still I notice You when change begins  

And I am braced for colder winds
I will offer thanks for what has been and what's to come
You are autumn

And everything in time and under heaven finally falls asleep
Wrapped in blankets white, all creation shivers underneath
And still I notice you when branches crack
And in my breath on frosted glass
Even now in death, You open doors for life to enter
You are winter

And everything that’s new has bravely surfaced teaching us to breathe
What was frozen through is newly purposed turning all things green
So it is with You and how You make me new with every season’s change
And so it will be as You are re-creating me
Summer, autumn, winter, spring

Whatever season you're in, the Lord is there.  Whatever seasons are coming, He's there too.  He's gone before you.  He's with you now.