I am fortunate enough to live in a state that demonstrates exactly what all four seasons are all about. Our winters are long, but filled with glistening snow, ice and cold air. The sound of snow plows fills the air with an orchestra of music. We struggle to walk on ice – we slip and fall whether or not we are young or old – we wear more clothes to keep warm and we take our lives into our own hands when we get into a car to go to the store. How different that season must have been for those who lived when there were no plows or cars or evenly heated homes. We hunker down into our winters, sip hot chocolate, read a lot more and observe the glory of God through our windows.

In spring, we’re greeted with new life all around. Tiny blades of new grass, seeds sprouting into fresh growth, life resurging and spreading, changing the landscape in just a few weeks. The trickle of ice falling off the roof – the streams and rivers crackling as the frozen surface opens and breathes again. The senses come to life at this time too, because there’s so much to take in.

In summer, we reach the peak of the growing season. Tomatoes ripen on the vine and luscious fruit is ready for picking. Corn is almost ready for harvesting. A canoe or kayak floats down the river and a sail opens up to catch the wind and carry its passengers across a lake. Flip flops replace fleece filled boots. Less clothing is required, but when you’re old, you still cover up those sagging arms and wrinkly legs.

Autumn is the best of all, in my opinion. The air is fresh and crisp, I will soon be rid of my allergies and can finally get outside and do some necessary gardening jobs. The colors are amazing. The animals are more active and provide entertainment through our dining room window as well as sitting outside. The sunburned leaves are falling everywhere, but they create a beautiful carpet to cover and protect the lawns and gardens from the coming winter months. Pumpkins are carved or made into pies. Apples create a wonderful aroma as they are now ripe and ready for picking.

Life is like the seasons and each has its own beauty and purpose. Look for it. It’s not far from sight. It’s right outside your own front door,

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
    and do not return there but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
    giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
    it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
    and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."  
Isaiah 55:10-11