Ugh! It’s time to get up, but the sky is dark gray and claustrophobic. Apparently, it has sucked all my energy out and left me with its gray emptiness. Brrrr. It’s chilly. How about if I just stay in bed? No? Ok, by sheer will I’ll drag myself thru the morning routine and hope my brain and body decide to cooperate. What happened to that warm and energizing orb that until recently peaked into my mornings with good cheer? How come everything feels sad, in slow motion, and overwhelming? I never did care for gray. Give me light, and open skies, please. And a little warmth.
At this change of season, I love to contemplate that God is in charge and he is taking care of the universe and me. Things are never the same and yet seasons continue to roll one after the other since creation. Kingdoms rise and fall, each generation succeeds the last. Our time on earth is limited, yet our souls go on into eternity. The glorious and the mundane mingle.
“Praise the name of God forever and ever,
for he has all wisdom and power.
He controls the course of world events;
he removes kings and sets up other kings.
He reveals deep and mysterious things
and knows what lies hidden in darkness,
though he is surrounded by light.”
Daniel 2:20-22
Even my garden is sad. Many of the squash plants have given up after yielding their delicious crop. They lie shriveled and crispy as if to say, “Done. No more. I give up.” But I say, “Thanks, Lord, for your gifts. This is over, but your care never ends. Next Spring I will plant again if you are willing.”
“As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.” Genesis 8:22
“…the living God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. In the past he permitted all the nations to go their own ways, but he never left them without evidence of himself and his goodness. For instance, he sends you rain and good crops and gives you food and joyful hearts.” Acts 14:15-17
The sky is crying, or is it just drizzle? I get sentimental and teary thinking the days of summer have ended when I could enjoy full days with my teenage granddaughter. Now school, friends, and activities will fill her days and times together will be few. But I never lose the companionship of my God.
“the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:4 quoting Deuteronomy 31:6
I get discouraged when my body is cold, tired and achy reminding me I’m on a downward slide as I age. But I take great comfort in the fact that altho decline is our human plight, I have a great renewal to look forward to in the next life.
“For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands.” 2 Corinthians 5:1
“Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory”. I Corinthians 15:54
“Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News.” 2 Timothy 1:10
I think the change of seasons reminds me that life is fleeting. Time to take inventory and check that I’m spending my time and energy on what’s of lasting value. Am I remembering to thank my God for his unending care and provision? Am I aware of his kind presence minute by minute? Am I listening for his quiet voice reminding me to care for others? Am I anticipating the day he re-makes this tired earth and me?
“But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” 2 Peter 3:12