My Journey: What is your favorite Season???

Image by digitalART2 via Flickr

The sweltering heat of Summer is almost gone and the brisk winds of Winter are drawing nearer. I love this time of year. As Autumn approaches, the temperature drops to comfortable numbers and the foliage explodes into a brilliant array of reds and golds. The 2 medium seasons (Spring and Fall) are my preference, but the extreme heat and cold of Summer and Winter allow us to really appreciate and accentuate our appreciation of God’s Awesome control over our lives. I know that most people like the warmth of the long days and the freedom from school and vacation activities, but the “old days” rarely afforded people those luxuries. I think that we need to get back to the basics of living and really appreciate the opportunities that GOD has allowed us to undertake. Whether it is sweltering or freezing (or a more moderate temperature) outside, we should grab hold of the chance to worship our CREATOR and acknowledge HIS sovereignty over our lives.

Many people only take advantage of that privilege during an orchestrated worship service and inside an organized religious event instead of opening their eyes to the grand tapestry of evidence laid before them. If you regularly attend church services, that is good, but remember that “the other side” also attends churches throughout the world as well (note all the strife and animosity found in churches, today). Jesus made this observation as well whenever he confronted the religious Scribes and Pharisees. The difference is that the true believer takes his reverence and worship EVERYWHERE he goes and always acknowledges the LORDSHIP of GOD and HIS risen SON – JESUS, THE CHRIST. Like Spring and Autumn seasons, HE displays the rebirth and glory that carries us through the extreme seasons of our lives.

I have to remember the old story of the 2 old fortune hunters in the late 1980’s. It seems that a certain organization began to offer a $5,000 bounty on each captured live wolf. “Sam and Jed” scoured the mountains searching for their valuable prey. One night they fell into an exhausted sleep with dreams of the potential fortune awaiting them. Suddenly “Sam” awoke to see about 50 wolves surrounding them with their fiery eyes and bared fangs. He nudged his partner and said, “Jed, wake up! We’re rich!”

Image via Wikipedia

This is an example of how we should see our daily challenges and perceive them as opportunities to our advantage. When Peter stepped out of the boat to come to JESUS, he took his eyes OFF of His Lord and began to sink. But, in fairness to Peter, he at least took that step of faith, which was more than the other 11 disciples. (Oh yeah, in case you forgot, JESUS reached out and lifted him up as when he failed to complete his act of faith) .

So, whether it is Autumn, Winter, Spring or Summer, GOD has opportunities and blessing awaiting us. All we have to do is open our eyes and see things as gifts of THE ALMIGHTY and chances to enrich our lives and promote HIS Kingdom. Even in the more uncomfortable seasons of our lives.