Seasons In Our Life

Change, change, change, our lives are in constant change. I was thinking about this today as the students were back off to school. Some for the first time and some for the last time, some starting kindergarten and some deciding to not go back. Things in our lives are constantly changing, nothing stays the same.  How great is that though?  Can you imagine staying in some of the circumstances that we find ourselves in forever?  

   When I think about change, I can’t help but think about the metamorphosis of a butterfly.  One of my very favorite books when I taught first grade was, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle.  That little caterpillar went through a lot, but then it happened… he became the most beautiful butterfly.   Yesterday was back to school for students and teachers.  It was the first time that I have felt a little sad since retirement.  It’s expected.   It was the first time I didn’t start back to school when everyone else did in 31 years.  I felt a little displaced.  I imagine I will feel that way many times while I am trying to find my place in this new season that I am in. Today I thought about a poem I wrote many years ago. I would like to share it with you.

Seasons of My Life

I want to embrace this season

That you have placed me in;

To grasp all of its meaning

from start until the end.

I know I want stay here forever,

Probably not ever again

So I want to learn the lessons

That mold just who I am.

Father, give me a teachable spirit

That I may learn from this

Give me eyes to see around me

And ears to hear what is

This life’s important lesson

in this season of my life.

 I want to see you closer

Than I ever have before

To view you from inside the lattice

Not from afar.

To walk with you more intimately

Than I ever have before.

This time I wish to cherish

As you gently speak to me

Your plan of peace, love, and joy

Unconditionally

I know that you brought me here

In this place, I am not alone

So, I will learn to trust in thee.

Teach me to praise you in the morning, noon and at night

Knowing that your presence

is always close to me.

In this season that I am in

I will not gripe and complain

I want even sit and wonder why

But, I will trust you completely

For I know who you are

and embrace this season of my life.

When Holy Spirit gave me this poem I was going through a lot of changes in my life.  But, then, what part of my life hasn’t there been changes?  I hope and pray that if you are going through changes, (and I know you are) that you will just rest that God is in control and that He does have a plan for your life.  Whether the season is sunny or rainy, hot or cold, mountains or valleys, or like me, just a little displaced, He is perfecting in us what He has started. 

Hang in there…we are loved by an awesome God that is faithful and true!  We will become that beautiful butterfly…it just takes some time!

sammie jean 

 He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.... Philippians 1:3