Its a beautiful morning. The sun is shining brightly. The flowers of spring in colors vivid as a rainbow dot the green backdrop.
Seasons. God’s reminder of how things change. The beautiful fall leaves and the joy of bringing out the long sleeves will soon be replaced by winter, with its brisk, short days, and hopefully a little snow mixed in to delight the heart. Winter melts into spring with the tiny budding leaves and reemergence of beautiful flowers. Then summer, with long days made perfect for play time and enjoying the beauty of the world outside.
Our lives change. Our babies grow up into toddlers then into teens. Young adults look up one day to realize the are middle agers no longer living a carefree life, but one of responsibility for a family. As quickly as those days come, so does the empty nest and watching the next generation start the cycle all over again.
Seasons. God’s reminder there will be trials, and out of trials become beauty. As that cold, dark winter buds into spring it always seems brighter, more joyful. Even the most beautiful seasons can produce trials…tornadoes, flooding. Yet even the cold, bleak winter produces moments of joy…like the true beauty of the sun glistening on pure, white snow.
Ecclesiastes 3 talks about seasons. How they come and go, and how God stays the same. I couldn’t help but put a beautiful creation on my fridge from my son Noah. It says “Seasons Change. God stays the same. He is making every thing I go through into something incredibly beautiful.”
God spoke vividly to my heart with this picture. A gentle reminder of he is always there. He is constant, unchanging. Several times in the past year, I have lifted my hands and said, “God, there has to be an easier way. Please give me another path.” Each time he has answered vividly, “Here is where I want you.” Those days that I just haven’t known if I’m strong enough to make it through, he has reminded me that everything we go through becomes something beautiful.
Craftsmen, artists. They all work hard. Starting with an empty canvas, a piece of clay…or for us writers a blank piece of paper, we have the ability to see beyond the rough edges and know there is a masterpiece to come. So it is with our everyday lives. Raising kids, the joys and the heartaches, are something incredibly beautiful. The balance of happy moments and struggles we face daily, they are all part of God’s journey.
Here’s to the masterpiece we will create and the beautiful things we will experience along the way.
By Jennifer Jones, The Plans I have for You
Leave a Comment
Especially Heather says
and praise God that eternal spring is coming! loved this post…
-H
Danelle says
Hi Jennifer,
Have you ever read SPIRITUAL RHYTYMS by Mark Buchanan? As I was reading your beautiful post I was thinking of that book and just knowing that you would love it. The author walks you through all the seasons of your life that you go through over and over and how Jesus is there in every breath.. . what we can learn from each season, what the season looks like in our hearts, our actions. . how He speaks to us.
Anyway, I know I am always looking for a good book and this seemed a good fit for you. It is truly one of the best books I have ever read.
Thanks for this great reminder that God is with us always. Isn’t spring a great reminder of that?
Have a blessed day.
Amy Hunt says
I’ve got to check out this book Danelle referenced, as I also have a real appreciation for how God moves in our lives and uses the literal seasons of the year to symbolize how He grows us anew through each season of life. He is always with us, and most importantly – He’s working for our good. Everything that He allows in our seasons He uses for great purpose!
Holley Gerth says
Yes, here’s to the masterpiece we will create…and the masterpiece He will make us along the way!
Deborah Yant says
As a woman I am touched and find myself agreeing with the struggle of God give me something else to do and He says He likes me where I am in life. As a Mother I am so proud of my firstborn and sit here crying with love and pride knowing that my child has grown to be the Christian woman I prayed to God she would be. Thank you God for hearing my prayers as she lives here Christian life as a wife and mother so beautifully!
Beth Williams says
I often struggle with where I am in life. I know this is where He wants me now, but I’m not a patient person and want to move on to something better Right now!
I’ believe we all have seasons of life – good and bad and God will see us through each of them!
Peggy says
Such beautiful words from such a beautiful person! God allowed me the wonderful opportunity to spend a season of my life with this woman who not only talks the talk, but walks the walk every day of her life. She is an inspiration to others and I am so fortunate to know her. God’s beauty in all of His masterpieces is that He allows us all to become our best, with His help, by placing others in our path that love and support us. I’m so happy to have the love and support of Jennifer in my life!
Jennifer says
Dear Jennifer,
I love your call out to the Father for His guidance, and His faithful response, telling you where He wants you. Beautiful. Thank you.
Jennifer Jones says
Thank you to each of you for your beautiful comments! Its a blessing to be surrounded by Christian women who walk by faith each day. I am grateful for the opportunity we have to encourage others. Danielle, I will have to check out the book you recommended. Thank you for sharing.
Katie @ Imperfect People says
Oh how I love spring time! I think it’s no coincidence our savior was raised from the dead the same time of year the whole earth comes back to life. Beautiful picture!
Teri @ StumblingAroundInTheLight says
So eager for Spring to finally hit the mountains of Colorado…after I wrote of ‘Winter Reruns’ last week, we head into yet another several days of cold & snow in the forecast. God so tenderly calls us to trust Him – amidst all the seasons – even thru the reruns of Winter!
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