For the first time in many years we had the opportunity to be at the beach in October last year. The days were still filled with the warmth of the summer sun, but the evening were borderline cool... perfect for a sweatshirt on a long evening walk. I could get used to the beach in the fall after all!
Thankfully living in Kentucky offers some amount of all four seasons - some years our winters seem long, dark, and snow filled, but then miraculously the spring always follows.
I've been reminded just lately of the many seasons that come and go in each woman's life. Some seasons are based strictly on age, but more and more, I am realizing the seasons often are more dependent on phases and circumstances in life.
I have recently read a book by Lois Evans (wife of Pastor Tony Evans) called Seasons of a Woman's Life. Rather than focusing on the thought of breaking our 85 or so years on earth into 4 sections of age, she simply uses three categories: Seed-Planting, Growth, and Harvest - with each season intentionally related to our relationship/response to God.
During the first seed-planting season there is a time of choosing to follow Jesus, to commit ourselves to Him. For some of us that season began very early in our lives, but there was much to learn.
Learning lessons in obedience, service and preparation happen during the season of growth. Many of you know what a special place the book and person, Esther in the Old Testament have in my life. Mrs. Evans uses Esther's story throughout her book, and in this season she speaks of how Esther grew and matured in the King's court as she was tutored in self-discipline and preparation for her future with the King.
Entering the Season of Harvest brings us into the "primary responsibilities for which we have been prepared". We learn to say yes to God's direction.... even if that includes walking an unexpected path as well as a path we feel totally inadequate to conquer. Truth is, on our own, we ARE inadequate... intentionally so, from a Father who loves us and desires to walk with us... through each season.
I find myself in the midst of a season still wearing many hats... wife, daughter, sister, parent of teen, parent of several 20 somethings, mother-in-law to two, MiMi to three growing grandboys (one ready to start Kindergarten - be still my soul!), oh, yes, and a fulltime job.
With all those hats, I have done a little soul searching about my spiritual season - I truly believe they are so very intertwined, but in light of Mrs. Evans words, I believe I am also in the season of harvest.
The time that God has prepared me for - not necessarily for some burning bush/lightening strike/tongues of fire/writing on the wall spectacular, flashing lights, kind of event, but instead a time to listen carefully, to watch closely, to act when prompted by simply loving others. Esther's moment was both dangerous and settling... Her words, " yes I will go to the King... if I perish, I perish. God used her obedience to save the Jewish people from extermination. She said yes.
God may simply be asking you to call a friend and offer encouragement, to take a leadership role that you cannot get off your mind, to bake a pie for your neighbor...
For such a time as this.... just say... Yes
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