GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

I remember thinking about the Summer as a child, and enjoying the different activities and sometimes going on a trip. It was a happy time, as I recall, being away from school. Going back to school seemed traumatic, some years more than others. Perhaps it was because I didn’t have many friends, or perhaps I just didn’t like school, but I did fairly well, and in the end, spent too many years in post secondary education.

 

Many of us know what it means to grieve the passing of Summer, and begin to face the cold winds of Fall and Winter. It is a part of the rhythmic nature of life that God gives us. Most of us have found ways to enjoy all four seasons. So it is as well in our emotional and spiritual lives. We enjoy all the seasons God gives us, when we are close with Him and at peace, when we are struggling and challenged, when our lives are easy and when they are hard. We take life a day at a time, and try to get God’s perspective on what He is trying to do in us through the tough times as well as the beautiful and peaceful times.

 

We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer. (Proverbs 16:1, NLT)

 

Part of what we are learning in this life is that we are not likely to experience “endless summer.” Take it from someone who grew up in Southern California, that there is more to summer than the weather. Conditions in life change. Health changes. Unexpected weather and difficult circumstances come into our lives and the Lord sees and resources us as we trust Him.

 

We are studying Joseph in Genesis 37 – 50 in part to say that we have much to learn from the Lord, no matter what stage of life we are in. Life long learning takes place, if we are willing. Even as we watch the school buses take children back to their places of learning, we are reminded not only to grieve the summer, but that we can learn much from the Lord, if we take the time and energy to listen.

 

Let us trust Him anew, whatever plans we are making.

 

Pastor Jonathan