Seasons

“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes 3: 1,11

We have all tackled different seasons in our lives. Whether we are on the highest mountain or in the deepest of valleys, we have been through it all. Especially in our current world, most people are experiencing seasons of uncertainty and waiting. 

When will things go back to normal?

Will I enjoy remote learning in an environment driven on social interaction? 

Will my family and friends be safe? 

I have gone to battle with my thoughts about the future and what God desires of me. We live in a culture where we are supposed to have everything figured out, down to what Southern Living home we want to live in with our spouse and 2.5 children. We put a time stamp on when we should finish a college degree and enter the “real world.” We rush through everyday moments and neglect to see beauty in the little things. We grow up in an environment that searches for hope in our future desires rather than our present circumstances. 

Despite the ways of this world, I have found peace in these verses from Ecclesiastes. God has made everything beautiful in it’s time for His most beloved creation. He has our futures planned, and each day I am learning to trust the Author of life to write my story for His glory. Rather looking for tomorrow and rushing everyday life, I am realizing how God desires to use me at this very moment. 

“You are called to bloom where you are planted.” This quote has been such a precious reminder to me that we as God’s children are planted and rooted in the season of life for a specific purpose. We must take the time to nourish ourselves in order to produce abundant life in our future. And this happens now, not tomorrow or in a couple weeks, but the here and now. Allow God fill your hearts with joy and peace because you trust in Him (Romans 15:13). With time, you will bloom. And in its beauty, I pray you rejoice in knowing His faithfulness endures forever. 

I am going to be honest with you, being an intern was not in my original summer plans. However, God called me back home, to a church that opened its to me doors again for a second summer as a youth intern. I have been surrounded by a church staff that has filled me with love and support in a time when I needed it the most. The Co-Op has provided me with a community of believers that push me in my faith walk in our weekly conversations. I have been able to develop strong and prosperous relationships with the youth that have allowed me to see God and myself in a different light. Despite this summer not looking exactly how I had planned, I give praise to the Father who has made plans far greater than my own. 

Maybe life is not looking quite like you expected it. Maybe relationships are not aligned the way you wish or maybe you are confused in your present circumstances. But hold on and see what God is teaching you. Spend time in conversation with Him. Meditate on The Word. And learn to bloom where you are planted. God has orchestrated for you to be where you are for a reason.