Women’s Devotion: Changing of the Seasons
“So be careful how you act. These are difficult days. Don’t be fools, be wise; make the most of every opportunity you have for doing good.” Eph. 5:15-16 (TLB)
Sitting on the porch during this almost ‘Fall” morning, hearing acorns drop from my tree, watching squirrels darting across the lawn, hearing the birds chattering with each other and feeling just the light breeze gives me a peace of mind. The seasons come and go as we rush to accomplish this and that and our life slips away without knowing. A monarch butterfly stops at a flower and it reminds me of my years as a teacher, spending hours collecting them at all stages in their life so my students could experience the wonder of nature.
And now those years have slipped by and I am in another phase of life. The past year has been a year of various challenges and sometimes sadness. I lost two close neighbors that I talked to frequently. We enjoyed chatting about our lives and laughing together. Another close friend, who I’ve known for over 50 years, will soon move to California to be with her family. I may never have the chance to hug her again. I have sat through memorial services to celebrate the lives of people I cared so much about but wish I had spent more time with them when we could talk together.
I just put my younger brother in a nursing home six hours from here because of special needs he has and I can’t help him anymore. He lived with my parents, my brother and alone. I was worried about him getting along OK after being so independent. He is doing well and enjoying all of the relationships he is building. I don’t need to worry about him or be sad for him. God may not give us what we want when we ask for it, but he knows what is best for us. Patience is the key.
As the weather changes, my goal is to enjoy each day…sit outside, enjoy the changes in this season God created and make every effort to connect with others and not only in times of trial.
We all have a certain amount of time God has given us and we need to make the most of it. Will you join me in celebrating our lives and the lives of others this Fall?
Dear God, Help us to remember to look at each day as a gift from you and share our gifts with others, as our smiles and kind words have such power to make a difference for others. Help us to give them generously. In your name we pray. Amen.
This month’s devotion was written by Pat Polly, a member of the Women’s Ministry Team. Since becoming a member of Sheridan, she has enjoyed becoming involved in various aspects of the church, including a Grace Group, Martha Circle, Barnabas Community, SOLOS, and the Hospitality Center. Pat grew up in Wauneta, in southwestern Nebraska. She came to Lincoln to teach and retired from Lincoln Public Schools after 50 years of working with elementary students and Family Literacy. Pat and her husband, Don, who is deceased, have two children, Steph who lives in Omaha and Ben, who lives in Ft. Collins, CO. She is also blessed to have six grandchildren, Tayler, Avery, Jude, River, Maddie, and Clay. Pat enjoys quilting, crafting, reading, jigsaw puzzles and social time with family and friends. She is happy to be a part of the caring Sheridan community.