Seasons Change

And so...earlier this week I found myself in a meeting that I wasn't sure I was supposed to be in. I was thinking 'OK, I've met some fun new faces and I enjoyed the teaching. I guess I'll come back next week." Then as closing comments were being made, I discovered why I was there. The person speaking even questioned the relevance of the side notes that had made my heart skip a beat. But I knew instantly because those words planted a seed of possibility in my heart. Within moments my practical self had taken over and created quite a list of ideas...thoughts of a new season to come and the steps I can take so that when that season arrives, I will be ready.

And then this morning I woke up to the beautiful sound of rain. I love a gray, rainy day...one with a quiet, somber feel. Not the blustery, thunderous ones so much, but one that invites me to sit and be still. I knew the rain that was falling outside was an indication that a cool front was coming my way and that makes me happy. Years ago I was 'colorized' as a spring/summer person meaning I should wear colors that are pastel to medium tones and lean more toward pinks than oranges in my color choices. That is where my affinity for spring/summer ends. I'm a fall/winter girl for sure. I come alive the day they FINALLY close the neighborhood pool and I can put away the beach towels and swimsuit for a few months. The day the temperatures fall below 85 is a cause for celebration in my home! So knowing that a cool front was coming, I wanted to get things cleaned up so that I could decorate for fall. As I began putting 'summer' away and seeing the layers of 'cleaning/organizing' that would need to be done in order for 'fall' to release it's reds and oranges and pumpkins and acorns, I began to get a little discouraged. I quickly ran to the kitchen to light my Yankee 'Harvest' scented candle as motivation to keep working. And that's when it clicked. Often times the Lord will use my everyday life to remind me of what He is doing in me spiritually. I was finding a way to stay motivated to clean up one mess so that I could bring things out that make my heart happy. That was exactly what He had done a few days ago as I sat in that meeting. He gave me just what I needed to know to motivate me to do the work that needs to be done before a new season in my life can begin. I am relatively certain that the season of life He is asking me to prepare for will not arrive as quickly as the cool breezes I felt tonight. I feel as though I will have a little while to nurture and care for the passion-seed as it grows into the full picture He allowed me to see. But just as the spicy scented candle motivates me to keep cleaning, knowing that my pumpkins will soon adorn my tables and acorns my mantle, He will provide for me the encouragement I need to keep moving toward the new season that is to come.

Until then I'm going to continue to be faithful in the season I'm in now, and work on what I can for the season that is to come. Oh, and tomorrow I'll finish putting summer away, drink my favorite Pumpkin Spice Latte as I decorate and happy dance myself right into fall!