Photo by: Mike Ralph
The Seasons of Life
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted. ~ ECCLESIASTES 3:1-2 (ESV)
God created the earth, God created the seasons, and God created us. Have you ever thought about the seasons of the year and how they match with stages of our own lives?
Spring can be compared to the birth and growth of a child. Think of spring with the budding of tender new tree leaves, the sprouting of new seedlings. Quickly the seedlings grow and mature. Many plants produce fruit and multiply.
Soon summer arrives with young plants facing the challenges of life such as hot weather, droughts, thunderstorms, and so on. This is the stage of life with good experiences as well as challenging opportunities. When God created the earth, He equipped plants and wildlife to adapt and survive. God did that for human beings as well, but He also gave us the intellect to reason through tough situations. Most importantly, He gave us a choice to live a life that is pleasing in His sight and a choice to accept His Son Jesus Christ.
All too quickly fall arrives, and the plants and wildlife begin to prepare to survive the difficulties of maturity and old age. Trees store the sap in their trunks. Leaves fall off the trees, while squirrels make nests and bury acorns for warmth and food. Bears prepare to hibernate. In this third season of life, humans become older, and their focus changes from a philosophy of “eat, drink, and be merry” to one of maturity, serenity, and reconciliation.
Finally, winter is here. It gets cold outside, trees lose all their foliage, and tubular flowers are dormant under the soil, awaiting the arrival of the new spring. Winter can feel cold, bleak, and desolate. So it is with us as we think about the hereafter if we don’t know Jesus as our personal Savior.
Have you reconciled with your Maker? Are you ready for the rebirth of spring and the new life in eternity? Take a moment to examine yourself and make sure you are prepared to meet your Maker at the pearly gates of Heaven. I’m ready, are you?
Our dear heavenly Father, I am sorry for my transgressions and ask that you will forgive me for them. I know that your Son died on the cross for me and that whosoever believes in Him will enjoy eternal life. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
FRED TOMLIN, FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, GLASSBORO