Women’s Devotion: Seasons

Seasons

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven…”
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Fall is my favorite season. I love the cool, crispness in the air and the vivid fall colors of nature. I enjoy the activities of fall, nature walks, hayrides, picking pumpkins and Halloween. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, filled with loving family, delicious food and grateful hearts. And I must admit, October is my birthday month, so I have always been partial to this time of year.

The seasons of the year can be viewed in different ways. Nature gives us the blossoming and newness of spring. Summer is the season of fruitfulness, freedom and fun. Autumn arrives with the harvesting of nature’s bounty and winter brings cold stillness in the air and the peaceful beauty of snow.

We can also look at the seasons of our life. Spring is the time of our youth and our growing into new adventures. Summer is our time of fruitfulness as we cultivate and share our gifts with the world, working and raising our families. Autumn arrives as a time to slow down and to savor the fruits of our labors. And then there is winter, a time of quiet reflection and gratitude of our lives well lived.

Perhaps the most inviting way to view the seasons is to consider that there is something of each season in the days, weeks, months and years of our lives. I feel spring when I play with my grandchildren and share in the magic and wonder of their discovery of the world. I feel summer when I enjoy time with family and friends and when I work to serve others. Autumn comes to me when I relax and slow down, gratefully appreciating the blessings in my life. And I feel winter in moments of quiet reflection and spiritual devotion, a peacefulness, as I rest my body, mind and soul.

Each season is a sacred space that brings to us new opportunities to grow, experience life and perhaps try something new. How will we embrace this new season and all the
seasons of our lives?

Dear God, Creator of the Universe,
Thank you for the seasons that give rhythm and order to your world. Guide us to always appreciate and treasure the seasons of nature and the seasons of our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen

This month’s devotion is written by Judy Sorensen, a member of the Sheridan Women’s Ministry Team. She is a long-time member of Sheridan and is involved with Tanzanian missions, a Grace Group, a Women’s Circle and the Music Ministry, as a worship leader. Judy is a retired kindergarten teacher and a former consultant for Opportunity Education. She and her husband, Rocky, who passed away in June 2017, have four married children, five granddaughters and two grandsons. Judy enjoys spending time with her family, friends, dog Bella and also traveling to explore God’s world. She feels blessed to be a part of the Sheridan community.