Don't waste your winter

This past week has been one of those weeks that it's hard to feel like you are accomplishing much. The snow has been falling, kids have been out of school, life rhythms have been unpredictable. Even with all of the fluidity of the week and season it is still important to recognize the current season you are in and adjust accordingly. This is also true in the seasons of life personally and in ministry.

Think about it God gave us four seasons and they all work to bring life and growth. The Spring season is a period of freshness and new life. Summer sees growth and productivity, autumn is usually for harvesting the rewards of past labors. But what about winter? Winter is the season of dormancy and closure. Each season has its unique purpose and makes a significant contribution to life.

Just as God had planned for seasons in nature, there are also seasons in life as well. Life has a springtime, where you eagerly anticipate what is next. There are summer's where you find yourself working harder and being more productive. Same with the fall, as you prepare to reap benefits of your work. Then Winter comes, and you put a close to old expectations, maybe in the loss of a loved one, or a career change, there tends to be a lot of hurry up and wait.

But it is in the waiting when hope of a spring comes to you. The promise of brighter days, the eagerness of attempting something new. In the winter it is easy to get discouraged and lose hope. But we should not waste our winter's for out of the winter comes a new season full of growth. Without the winter their can be no springtime. God's perfect plan is to help us see the beauty of each season and grow in Christ. When you find yourself lonely or discouraged about the season you are in, remember that God has already accounted for feelings but He is eager to give you the growth you long for.