By Tanya Jolliffe
I have lived in Ohio my entire life. One of the things I love about Ohio is that we get to enjoy changing seasons. Fall is my favorite season, and this past year was spectacular. The color of the trees couldn’t have been more glorious, and the temperatures had been near perfection.
A few weeks ago, during my early morning walk, I marveled at all there was to take in. I could see a full moon in one direction and a beautifully painted sky in brilliant shades of pink and orange in the other. There was a stillness accompanied by the crunching of the leaves under my feet as I walked. I could smell the faint hint of a skunk with the smell of burning wood from a chimney. The cool morning air made my eyes water and my cheeks rosy. As glorious as this season has been, the next will soon arrive with its unique sights, sounds, and smells.
Recently I became a grandmother, or Grammy, as I am now called. This new life season has caused me to reflect a bit on how quickly life goes by. Each season of my life has provided various experiences that dazzled my senses. Then they were gone, and the next one came along. Was I so busy with the demands of life that I missed the opportunity to take in and savor all that season had to offer? My memories tell me no. I took from them as much as I gave.
In Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 (NLT), we are taught that there is a time for everything. “For everything, there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.”
God is a God of order, and there is a flow and season for everything in his creation and design. Sometimes we go our own way and get things out of order which can bring stress and chaos. Following his format through obedience to his Word, we enjoy all the sights, sounds, and experiences in the right season.
Let me give you some encouragement as life continues to change in our country and world. Keep moving forward regardless of the degree of beauty or chaos you find. Embrace where you are and all the season offers. If you suffer a loss, new life isn’t far off. If you are worn down by all that has been torn down, the build-up is just around the corner. When you have cried your tears, take time to laugh and after your time of grief, take time to dance.
I recognize that in this new stage of grand motherhood, there will be a time to be quiet and a time to speak. As the Byrds sing, “to everything, turn, turn, turn. There is a season turn, turn, turn.” As your season changes, reflect on the sights, experiences, and opportunities it has brought. Measure what lessons you still need to master in the next season and allow the passing of time to help you become a better version of yourself through the leading and teaching of the Lord.
Looking for a way to connect with God daily? Check out our daily devotional books. (They make great gifts too!): Living in Truth Day by Day *** Living in Truth Mind, Body, Spirit *** Living in Truth: A Christmas Devotional
