The last two days have truly been breath-taking – magnificent sunshine, warmer temperatures and beautiful colors. Here in Greensboro, autumn seems to be in full swing with leaves still changing and blowing off the trees. It’s beautiful to behold (along with serving as a reminder that my first job after getting moved into our new home this week will be, of course, raking!). This is Molly’s favorite season of the year, which probably comes as no surprise you, especially due to the fact that she’s an artist and appreciates the colors.
Autumn is an interesting reminder to us of the change that is constantly taking place, not only in the world around us, but in our own lives as well. Seasons usher in change and something new and unique, but perhaps no other season brings the change that autumn does. Trees change from green and full, to colorful, and then empty. Temperatures begin to vary, and we begin to brace ourselves for colder temperatures. Crops are harvested, fields are left bare. Change is taking place.
Maybe you sometimes catch yourself, like me, wondering why changes are necessary (beyond the scientific explanations). Yet during seasons like this, I think the world around us is clear about God’s plan for change in all our lives and why it is so necessary. In nature, changing seasons bring renewal – bringing life to things that once seemed dead. Perhaps that’s a good way to look at why God allows change in our lives. Although He never changes, God uses change in our lives to renew us because He is a God who loves “making everything new” (Revelation 21:5).
Later this week, we will be moving once again into our new home in Greensboro, and I’m again reminded how this season (the last 3-4 months of our lives) has personally brought change after change into our lives. The changes have been tough, but they’ve also brought us huge blessings found in new relationships, new opportunities and a new home. And when you take time to put things into God’s perspective, you’ll be reminded, as I have been recently, of how we must continually give thanks during seasons of change – thanks for what has been (God’s faithfulness), thanks for what is to come* (God’s promises), thanks for what God is producing in us (God’s purposes). You see, God’s ultimate purpose for the changes that take place in our lives today is to transform us where “we become more and more like Him and reflect His glory even more” (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Today, I pray that you will live in recognition of God’s purpose for change in your life, that you would embrace it and give thanks.
Autumn is an interesting reminder to us of the change that is constantly taking place, not only in the world around us, but in our own lives as well. Seasons usher in change and something new and unique, but perhaps no other season brings the change that autumn does. Trees change from green and full, to colorful, and then empty. Temperatures begin to vary, and we begin to brace ourselves for colder temperatures. Crops are harvested, fields are left bare. Change is taking place.
Maybe you sometimes catch yourself, like me, wondering why changes are necessary (beyond the scientific explanations). Yet during seasons like this, I think the world around us is clear about God’s plan for change in all our lives and why it is so necessary. In nature, changing seasons bring renewal – bringing life to things that once seemed dead. Perhaps that’s a good way to look at why God allows change in our lives. Although He never changes, God uses change in our lives to renew us because He is a God who loves “making everything new” (Revelation 21:5).
Later this week, we will be moving once again into our new home in Greensboro, and I’m again reminded how this season (the last 3-4 months of our lives) has personally brought change after change into our lives. The changes have been tough, but they’ve also brought us huge blessings found in new relationships, new opportunities and a new home. And when you take time to put things into God’s perspective, you’ll be reminded, as I have been recently, of how we must continually give thanks during seasons of change – thanks for what has been (God’s faithfulness), thanks for what is to come* (God’s promises), thanks for what God is producing in us (God’s purposes). You see, God’s ultimate purpose for the changes that take place in our lives today is to transform us where “we become more and more like Him and reflect His glory even more” (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Today, I pray that you will live in recognition of God’s purpose for change in your life, that you would embrace it and give thanks.
