Changing of Seasons

By Jennifer Hallmark

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven…” Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV

Autumn … fall … harvest time. Whatever name you may use, it’s upon us once again. I gazed out the back door and noted the various colors of the leaves, the brown now mixed in the blanket of green grass, and the brisk spurts of wind that shuffle everything around.

Summer ends and autumn arrives.

In Ecclesiastes, we read that there is a season and a time for every purpose. I don’t know if I ever equated this verse with the physical seasons. But God, in His infinite wisdom, created purpose and then gave it a time and a season. In Jeremiah 29: 11, we see that God created each person with a future and a hope, a purpose in their life. And if we have purpose, we have seasons. Let’s look at three things that define this time of the year we call fall.

•  New colors-fall brings shorter days and longer, cooler nights which in turn changes the colors of plants.
• Cool breezes-as winter approaches, summer is being moved out by the wind to welcome the cooler weather.
• Holidays approaching-before the New Year arrives, we’ll celebrate a plethora of holidays with fun, feasting, and fellowship.

How can we compare this to our lives? We begin by embracing each new season God brings our way. We don’t know what He has in store through it all, even when it may seem like a dead, dry time. Much like this fall in Alabama.

Like the new colors of fall, we should find something beautiful in the different seasons of our lives. If we dwell on the fact that the new colors of leaves mean they will die and fall off the trees, we’ll be depressed. Instead, we can enjoy the colors while they are still here, knowing winter brings its own purpose and then spring arrives again.

Like cool breezes after the oppressive heat of summer, we can thank God that in the midst of trials, He makes a way of escape. It could be through His Word, the beauty of nature, music, books, or fellowship with other Christians. Look for the breezes He has placed in your life today.

Like the excitement of children over approaching holidays, we remember that God has wonders awaiting us in the future, both in heaven and on the earth. Remain sensitive to the blessings of God and reach out to the people around you in Christian love.

Don’t fear change for it is a normal process in everyone’s life. Take all your doubts and insecurities to God concerning your new season and reach for His hand. He will gently walk with you every step of the way.

There truly is a reason for the season…

Jennifer Hallmark writes Southern fiction and has published 200+ internet articles and interviews, short stories in several magazines, and has co-authored three book compilations. Her debut novel, Jessie’s Hope, released on June 17th, 2019.

When she isn’t babysitting or gardening, you can find her at her desk writing fiction or working on her two blogs.  She also loves reading detective fiction from the Golden Age and viewing movies like LOTR or Star Wars. Sometimes you can even catch her watching American Ninja Warrior. You can connect with Jennifer at www.jenniferhallmark.com.

Jennifer is giving away a copy of her eBook Jessie’s Hope! Just leave a comment below to be entered to win. Winner will be drawn from commenters on Wednesday, October 16, 2019, and notified here on the blog comments and by email. You can also find Jessie’s Hope on Amazon now!

Years ago, an accident robbed Jessie Smith’s mobility. It also stole her mom and alienated her from her father. When Jessie’s high school sweetheart Matt Jansen proposes, her parents’ absence intensifies her worry that she cannot hold on to those she loves.

With a wedding fast approaching, Jessie’s grandfather Homer Smith, has a goal to find the perfect dress for “his Jessie,” one that would allow her to forget, even if for a moment, the boundaries of her wheelchair. But financial setbacks and unexpected sabotage hinder his plans.

Determined to heal from her past, Jessie initiates a search for her father. Can a sliver of hope lead to everlasting love when additional obstacles–including a spurned woman and unpredictable weather–highjack Jessie’s dream wedding?

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