What season are you currently walking through ?

The other day, my 9-year-old niece asked me, “Mareike, what's your favorite season?”

Have you ever asked yourself that question? I find it difficult to answer. Because, in my opinion, every season has its own unique charm... But after thinking it over, I always come back to this: fall remains my favorite time of year, with its colourful trees, pumpinks, misty landscapes and cosy evenings by the fireplace.

But when I think about it, fall wouldn’t exist without the other seasons. For the trees to change color, the leaves must first have grown in spring and summer... Moreover, all the bountiful fall harvests wouldn’t exist without the work of sowing seeds and tending the fields in the months leading up to them. And even in winter, when nature seems to be hibernating, a lot is happening beneath the ground, preparing nature to be reborn in the spring. Thus, every season has its role and its place.

Just as nature goes through the seasons, we also go through different “seasons” throughout our lives—both collectively and individually. Some of them may be more pleasant to go through than others—but ultimately, each one plays a very specific role.

EXAMPLES OF 'SEASONS' IN THE BIBLE

The Bible is full of examples of people and groups who go through distinct periods in their lives. Take the life of Joseph for example. A life made up of various seasons: his childhood under his father’s favor, betrayal by his brothers and separation from his family, slavery, prison, becoming second to Pharaoh and ruling over Egypt, reconciliation with his brothers, being reunited with his father...

A life with times of waiting, disappointments, and divine “suddenlies". And yet, each season was important for Joseph’s growth and preparation, so that God’s plan might be fulfilled not only in his life, but also in that of his family and, more broadly, the people of Israel.

Jesus himself went through distinct seasons in his life. For 30 years, he led a private life, growing up, caring for his family, learning and practicing a trade. Then he was baptized by John the Baptist and first spent 40 days in the desert being tempted by the devil. This was then followed by three years of public ministry leading up to his death, resurrection, and ascension.

I could go on and on, because from the very beginning, the history of humanity has been marked by distinct times, or in other words, seasons. There is a time for everything...

THERE IS A TIME FOR EVERYTHING

You probably know this famous passage in the Bible:

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance..."

(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

In this passage, the author emphasizes that there is a time for everything. And with different times come different activities.

For example, “there is a time to be born and a time to die.” We can apply this literally to human life, but I believe that the significance of this verse goes further. Indeed, some things in life are meant to last, but most things here on earth have a specific time with a beginning and an end. In these cases, there is a time to begin something (a sort of birth)—such as a project, a commitment, or a job… This beginning won’t happen on its own; as all mothers know, it literally takes “labor” to bring life into the world! And when that thing has run its course, it will come to an end (much like a death). It’s time to let go, to finish what needs to be finished, and perhaps to grieve as well. These two stages require very different attitudes on our part, so it’s important to know where we stand!

In the same way, “there is a time to weep, and a time to laugh.” When we lose something dear to us, it’s normal and healthy to feel sad. Crying helps us work through these painful emotions that need to be expressed; otherwise, they would remain bottled up inside us. On the other hand, when I receive good news, celebrate a victory, or simply hear a good joke... That’s the time for joy and laughter. Thus, every emotion has its role and its time.

Since there are different “seasons” in life, it’s important to recognize where I am at any given moment. Because different seasons call for different attitudes, actions, and decisions.

RECOGNIZING MY CURRENT SEASON

As I wrap up this article, I invite you to ask yourself this question today: What season am I currently in?

You can start by taking stock of your current life circumstances—the good things that are happening, the challenges you’re facing… It helsp to write it all down.

Then, I encourage you to spend some time in prayer with God to gain His perspective. Here are a few examples that might inspire you as you listen to Holy Spirit. It's just a start, and He may tell you very different things too !

Am I...

• in a season of sowing, tending, or harvesting?

• in a season of new beginnings, consolidation, or the end of something?

• in a season of mourning or rejoicing?

• in a season for building something or for tearing down what no longer serves a purpose?

• in a season for nurturing and growth, or for pruning?

• in a season for trying new things or trusting what I already know?

• in a season for preparation & training, or a season to just go for it?

• in a season for bearing fruit (like spring or summer) or a season of rest (like winter)?

• in a season to persevere or to let go?

• in a season to take action or to "let go and let God" ?

etc.

As I mentioned earlier: different seasons require different actions, attitudes, and decisions. Just as we don’t sow wheat in winter and don’t harvest it while it’s still green, it’s important to recognize the season I’m in so I can adjust my expectations and actions accordingly.

So the question that follows is this: What is my role in this season? How can I respond to what’s happening within me and around me, in relationship with the Holy Spirit? Based on what God shows me, I can take concrete actions that are aligned with my current season.

I'll further add this : God is a God of relationship and conversation. You may not have all the answers right away, but I still encourage you to ask Him and to keep listening to Him in the days, weeks, and months ahead. As part of this process, I especially encourage you to share and pray with other believers. God truly speaks through one another, and it’s always helpful to get a different perspective.

By the way, I'd love to hear your thoughts on these issues! Feel free to send me a message or an email if you'd like.

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Whatever season you’re going through right now, I pray that God will speak to your heart, that you’ll find greater clarity and that your perspective will be renewed. Some seasons are more pleasant to go through than others... But if it’s indeed true that there’s a time for everything, it also means that other seasons will come.

And in every season, whatever it may be... God is there.