Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “To everything there is a season, a time for every PURPOSE under heaven.”

Living in the beautiful state of Colorado I can relate to “seasons.”  Just when you get used to one season, another one begins.  You can go from wearing shorts one day, to a winter coat the next.  It helps to remain flexible.

The word season also makes me think about all the different seasons of my life.  When I married at the age of twenty I went from my parent’s home in the city to a home out in the country with my husband.  One of the most immediate changes that I recognized the first winter we were married was that when it snowed and got cold we had to bundle up and head out to feed the animals.  We also had to chop ice so that they would have fresh water to drink.  Growing up in the city some of my favorite memories of “snow days” were drinking a cup of hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows!  My mother would usually have a brand new coloring book with a brand new pack of crayons to go with it; to keep me busy all day.

The next big change was after being married for three years, we began our family.  We went from just the two of us to a house full of boys.  Three sons all under the age of four.  I always loved spending time outside and riding my bike.  I can remember one day living and pastoring in Kit Carson I decided to go on a bike ride.  Aaron our oldest was on his little bike with training wheels.  Peter our youngest was in a pack on my back, and Andrew our middle son was placed in a special seat attached to the back of my bike.  Doing a very careful balancing act we started off gaining momentum slowly, when Aaron’s pants got caught in his bike chain.  This brought everything to a standstill.  I got off my bike with Peter still on my back and lifted Andrew out of his seat; squatting down to get Aaron untangled.  Eventually, we were off again!

My Mother actually had wise words for me in that busy season of having a young family.  “Don’t wish your life away.”  In other words, flourish in every season and embrace it.  BE THANKFUL FOR TODAY!

“The righteous shall FLOURISH like a palm tree, he shall GROW like a cedar in Lebanon.  Those who are PLANTED in the house of the LORD shall FLOURISH in the courts of our God.  They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing, to DECLARE that the LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.”

Psalm 92:12-15

There is a PURPOSE and a perfect PLAN for our life in every season.  To BEAR FRUIT in all the seasons we experience.  Impart, declare the knowledge of God to our children in our home and also to everyone we cross paths with.  Those divine appointments!

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the LORD is.”

Ephesians 5:15-17

Take every opportunity to lead others to Christ.  Kindness and love go a long way.

Today when I head out the door I throw my shoes on and go.  The season of putting on six little shoes has passed.  However, in each season God has divine appointments for us to seize to spread God’s love and joy.  I’m an animal lover, and it seems every dog in the neighborhood can sense that.  When I go on walks it is always interesting to see how God will use these little animals.  One dog howls every time he sees me. His owner seems to get a kick of that and always tells me how stopping to pet the dog and talk to him makes their day.  My idea!?! I believe it is one of those divine appointments!  An opportunity to share compassion and kindness.

Today remember to FLOURISH in every season; redeem the time; be flexible and embrace every divine appointment.  DECLARE the goodness of God.