Seasons Change

BY TAFFI MARINO

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

There is a time for everything. Like most people I do not look forward to change, but I do my best to embrace it and enjoy it. If I want to get the most out of the natural seasons of winter, spring, summer and fall I will learn to embrace and enjoy each season for what it has to offer. Fall is my favorite season, but if I want to enjoy summer I will have to embrace summer and let go of fall for the time being. I must put away my fall scents, the fall decor and all of my boots and sweaters. I embrace the lazy days at the lake, cookouts and the hours of extended daylight. If I went through winter, spring and summer longing for all things fall there would be so many wonderful things that I would miss out on. Many times we will look back longingly at a previous season of life or wish for a season that is in the future and miss out on what the current season has to offer.

I remember when my children were young and I LOVED it...I loved everything about it! The snuggles, early mornings, sweet conversations, holidays and everything in between. As my children grew bigger and got older I would find myself sad and missing those sweet moments of their childhood. One day I felt like the Lord spoke to my heart and said, "Your best days are ahead, and each new season can be better than the last." I have kept this in my heart and stood on it when I sensed the seasons changing.

This year my family has gone through and continues to go through MAJOR changes!! Let me be the first to say that it has been challenging. Tears have been shed and my heart has hurt. I want to also say that it has been sweet. We have had a lot of fun, there has been a lot of laughs and my heart felt full. Memories are being made and we are forming new traditions. I have enjoyed watching my children become the adults that God designed them to be and discover the dreams in the hearts. I no longer have littles, but I do have my bigs and they are precious. It has been a bittersweet year and I am SO thankful for all of it!

What changes are you experiencing?  Are you looking forward to a new season or longing for one of the past? Maybe you are a new mom and looking back longingly for the days you could sleep in on the weekend or go out for the day without packing enough bags for a small vacation. Maybe you are right in the middle of your children's sweet childhood and you look to the future when you have a little more time for yourself and you can go on a date without having to hire a sitter. I encourage you to enjoy this gift that you have today. This is a good season with many wonderful things to enjoy! Yes, it may require YOU to change. You may have to do things differently to fully enjoy this new season, but let me tell you, "YOU CAN DO IT!" You can do all things through Jesus that strengthens you. There is a time for everything and a purpose in each season. Pursue the Purpose and Enjoy The Season!!

Love and prayers. -Taffi