The Seasons of Life…
Today is the first day of fall and here in South Texas we anxiously await cooler temperatures. Even a slight dip would be welcome. This past month it has averaged, on most days, in the upper 90’s. We enjoy the sun and look forward to summer every year but when the temps start rising as well as the humidity, we start anticipating and longing for cooler temps.
It’s funny how we always seem to want something different from what we are experiencing at the moment. In the winter, we wish for spring, in the spring we long for long hot summer days to swim, ski, and enjoy the beach, but once the summer comes we begin wanting cooler temps, even anticipating winter. When it is hot and sunny, we want rain and clouds. When it is raining, cloudy, and messy we long for the long hot summer days.
I wonder how it would be to just be happy where you are at the moment. Enjoying whatever season you happen to be in at the time. Or, even whatever age of life we are in at the moment. When I was a kid, I longed to be a teenager. Once I became a teenager I so wanted to be in my twenties. It seemed as if each stage of life had something better around the corner. But then comes the grandma years, I look back and think about how much younger I use to be. Do I want to go back and be a teenager again? Oh no! Not even for one second. I’ve been there and done that…no looking back and no desire to do it again. But I can honestly say that these “grandma” years are fun. I am trying to enjoy the moment and be content in whatever situation I am in at the moment.
So, what does living a life of contentment look like? Paul says in: Philippians 4:11-13 “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Paul was stating that he was living a life of contentment, dealing with whatever circumstance came his way. He knew that God was his provider and that God would strengthen him in any situation he faced. That is trust. That is putting your cares and worries on Him because He genuinely cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). It is taking a deep breath, letting the cares of the world roll right off of you, knowing that your heavenly Father is right beside you, inspiring you on, all the way.
Enjoy your life and enjoy each season of life that you are in. Here at The Beautiful Basics, we are cheering you on. We love you guys!
