Seasons

Fall has arrived in Michigan. After dealing with shorts in late October, I awoke this morning to the reality that fall does exist and it has come to my town. It is currently 48 degrees outside with cold rain falling from the sky.

I have no control over the weather. I couldn't push a button and change the temperature. I wasn't able to turn off the valve that releases rain. I simply had to dress warmer and move quickly from my car to the church building. I would imagine most of us would think it was silly if someone said they were going to control the weather.

But why is it so many of us want to control the seasons in our lives? When things happen to us we tend to try to change our environment. Have you ever said any of the following?

"If only my parents would change."

"If only my children would change."

"If only my spouse would change."

"If only I could change schools."

"If only I could change jobs."

"If only I were younger."

"If only I were older."

"If only I had more money."

"If only...."

The problem with these "if only" statements is that we are seeking to change people or situations that we often fail to have control over. Like the weather, there are many times we have little or no ability to change the season we find ourselves in the midst of.

Imagine if we changed the above statements to sound like this...

"I will be a better son/daughter."

"I will be a better parent."

"I will be a better spouse."

"I will be a better student."

"I will be a better employee."

"My years of experience have worth."

"My youth gives me the energy to make a difference."

"I may not have much money, but I will use what I have wisely."

God will not always rescue us from difficult seasons of life. But He does call us to use these times to make a difference. Instead of trying to change everything around us, imagine the impact we can have if we change to meet the challenges we face.

This morning I looked out the window and saw that it was wet and cold. So I dressed accordingly and headed out to face the day. Every day we awaken to a new challenge, a new opportunity. Depending on the forecast for the day you are about to embark on, plan for the day, expect unexpected changes, and let God use you to bring some warmth and sunshine to every day, regardless of how dark it may seem around you.

shine!
Jason