Seasons change

CHRISTIAN LIVING TODAY

Most of us embrace the new fall season and are ready for the change. We welcome relief from summer’s heat and rejoice with even the smallest hints of seasonal shifts: clear skies, a cool breeze and everything pumpkin.

Scripture speaks about seasons, reminding us that God made the moon to mark months, how He established the faithful regularity with the daily sunrise, and as recorded in Daniel 2:21, “He changes times and seasons…” Farmers and gardeners are keenly aware of the rain that brings yield to their fields, as well as the benefits of seasonal changes.

The Greek word for season, “kairos,” means a measure or portion of time — a fixed and definite time, including a limited period. Yes, the season is limited, with unique changes, beauty, celebrations and challenges.

Passages in Ecclesiastes use season to connect with insights about life. The Hebrew word used is “zaman,” meaning an appointed or designated time. As we read the examples presented in the third chapter, we’re reminded of special life events: birth, death, planting and uprooting. Times for slaughter and healing, to break down and build up.

But keep reading and be encouraged, for also there is a time to weep as well as a time to laugh. There is a time to mourn and to dance. Various illustrations are mentioned in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, and it covers the gamut of human experience and many emotions.

Our Heavenly Father, creator of all, understands seasons and changes we face, our seasons of life.

King Solomon wrote this book, sharing his questions such as: What value is life? What purpose may we find? He asked what is life all about anyway if we “came from dust and return to dust.”

He did a lot of soul searching, posing the same questions many have today.

I hope your conclusions align with King Solomon. Primarily, remember your creator.

Solomon cautions us, reminds us and clearly states his conclusions: “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.” (Ecc. 12:3) It may have been a long time since you read this Old Testament book, but you will gain much by reading it again. It addresses topics including education, career, success, rivalry and competition, selfishness, power, money, possessions and religion.

We all need to assess our personal season. Acknowledge the storms, but also seek the rainbows.

Until next week, Anita Onarecker, an Elgin resident, author of “Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge” and minister to women and adults, earned a Master of Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2007.