Every season

On my run tonight, I passed a soccer field where two girls’ teams were competing. In an instant, I was transported. Long nights under the lights in shin guards and cleats, sweaty nylon jerseys and itchy tube socks—beating the enemy to the ball and eating orange slices after the game. It didn’t get any better than that.

I played all four years of high school—and as they were for all of us, those years were challenging, exciting, and transforming. I was figuring out who I was, forming my convictions, falling flat on my face, developing new skills, and exploring a variety of interests.

Theater kept me out late on more than one occasion. Babysitting did not. (I love kids, but very few children were well behaved enough to induce me to spend hours with them.) Writing newsletters, short stories, poems, and stage plays (laughable material now) sealed my fate: I would forever be wed to a pen. Late-night street hockey with my brothers and Ben Flower, beach trips and driver's ed, church ministries, singing with Christine Lattimer and Roland Urgino, Katy's birth and Linda's death, Mexico ministry, and my first college visit…

And then there was the inevitable first battle with depression, loneliness in the midst of a crowd, friendships lost, personal failures, hormones, a crisis of faith, and… math. If I remember correctly, I cried through all four years of high school math.

Tonight I’m reminded again that every season of life has its unique joys and trials. It’s so tempting to long for summer’s heat in the midst of winter’s chill—and then gripe about the sweltering temperatures when June finally arrives. Comparing my season of life with yours doesn’t accomplish a heck of a lot either. You can’t have Christmas gifts in July, and I probably shouldn’t sunbathe at the beach in December. But in the words of my dear mom, we should “squeeze the joy out of every day we’re given,” making the most of winter in the winter months, and summer in its months too.

Today, whether there be snow falling outside your frosted window or a balmy sun beating down on your beachhouse, may you know the joy of living by faith and living to the fullest.

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

“He did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” Acts 14:17