Monday, March 10, 2014

Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life

Years ago I bought a devotional by Charles Swindoll called "Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life," and he had devotionals for each of the "seasons" we encounter in our lives. Winter is the season where we endure great hardship and at times we think we may never come out of it, but God surely knows when we have had enough ice and cold winds in our lives, for right after Winter comes the Spring. Spring is universally known as the time for new beginnings and new life and lots of hope for the future. Summer is a time to enjoy our blessings and be thankful for all we have been given.  It is also a time to bear much fruit and be a servant to others. Finally, fall signifies preparing our souls for another winter. We must make sure that we take the time to prepare for the winter by drawing closer to God and being spiritually ready for the next round of harsh weather conditions.

Those of us who live in the Midwest can definitely see physical signs of Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall and it makes it a bit easier to transfer these seasons to our lives.  In each season we can grow stronger, and hopefully when winter comes we will remember the hope, blessings, and preparation that God has done in our hearts to get us through those very tough times that come in the cycles of our lives.

I am so thankful that physically and literally, we are entering spring. I am doing well, back to my busy life as a mom and school counselor. I do a lot of thinking, and though life carries me quickly through each day, I want to make sure I pause and take time to de-stress by running, sitting on the couch, surfing facebook, reading and praying.

My oncologist says I am doing well, and in the future, he said I may want to consider having my ovaries removed, as they are a source of producing estrogen. I am waiting for the U.S. study to come out. I told him that I would like to see the study before I subject myself to another surgery.

Whatever season you find yourself in, hold on to the Lord's promises. While seasons change, He remains the same.