The changing of the seasons has held more and more significance in my life with each passing year.

The warm breezes that bring summer, changing leaves that turn to autumn, chilly mornings heralding winter, and the buds of new plant growth introducing spring; these symbols of each season remind me that there is beauty in change and the passage of time.

Spring especially has become a special time for me. I intentionally come up with plans of what flowers and plants I want to tend (Marigolds are always in the grouping as they are my favorite). I literally get my hands dirty in the processes of re-potting and planting; feeling the dirt between my fingertips and appreciating how life comes in a variety of forms.

There is a beautiful form of communion with The Lord in gardening.

New life, Fresh purpose, Untapped potential

I’m reminded in those moments of tending to God’s creation how His goodness and provision looks different in each phase of life. Reflecting back on my own life, I see so many times when God has provided His presence in a variety of ways.

A season that comes readily to mind is one that I went through not that long ago. This season was filled with heartbreaking loss and a period where I honestly questioned what God was doing in my life.

From November of 2021 to August of 2023, three people in my immediate family passed away. In a span of less than 2 years one of my uncles and both of my grandfathers were gone. Up until this point, I had never lost a family member in my immediate family. I battled with feelings of doubt and uncertainty in my faith while still desperately clinging to what I knew was true about God’s faithfulness. Yet with each passing of a loved one, I felt like I was in a downward spiral.

I was reminded of a passage of scripture in Romans:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

-Romans 8:28 NIV

I remember tearfully praying during this time “God, I know you say that you work all things for good, but this does not feel good right now”. And it was true. I still think back to those times and feel the ruminations of those emotions.

During that time, I was trying unsuccessfully to find connection with a body of believers. I felt so alone and the loss of family members compounded that loneliness. The only comfort I truly had in that time was The Lord gently reminding me that I would never be alone because He would always be with me. Even with that reassurance, I thought that I would never move out of that season of life.

But I did.

The change was gradual; much like the shift in temperature from winter to spring. Over time, prayer, and reading God’s word as consistently as I could (not perfectly by any means), I felt the weight of what I was feeling lessen.

God led me to a body of believers where I now have the connection for which I was searching for so long. I still feel the loss of my uncle and grandfathers on most days, but I know I will see them again one day. These losses have changed me, but in ways that I have grown around and now welcome as part of myself.

The season I find myself in now is one of personal growth. I am learning to more completely love who God created me to be; broken yet purposeful and beautiful in His sight.

There is a phenomenal book called GraceLaced by Ruth Chou Simons that I was gifted many years ago by a dear friend. In this book, the author connects how each season reminds us of the spiritual truths that are experienced in different parts of a person’s life.

There is a quote from this book that speaks to the heart of what I am hopefully communicating here:

“God demonstrating His glory through your dependency is the real story, and what He’s writing it day by day through deepening roots and newly formed buds. Blooms will come because He’s faithful to finish what He begins in us (Philippians 1:6). But even if you don’t see it today, take heart. Your land of affliction is the very ground the Lord is using for your good and His glory.”

-Ruth Chou Simons

I don’t know what season you find yourself in right now, but I want you to know that God is there. He is with you. His presence may look or feel different than what you have experienced in the past, but that does not mean He is any less powerful or present.

God is good all the time and all the time God is good.