I learned and realized a few things yesterday that have brought me into a better today.

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.” -Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

There’s a time and a purpose for every season.

There is a time to reflect within… and then there is a time to look far beyond one’s self.

As Jason and I were driving up the mountain yesterday, I was confiding in him, sharing a few thoughts with him when he said a few things that really made a lot of sense. Then it hit me that over the last few days I’ve been so inwardly focused that I had gotten to the point of going overboard… the time for that was long over and had turned into self-centeredness. A healthy time of solitude with the Lord had gone past its time, turning me into becoming self-consumed. (Selfishness is a tendency for me, you know.)

There is a time for self-reflection, for solitude — those are good and necessary things, but too much of a good thing becomes too much –even if it’s a “good thing”.

There is a reason each season lasts only for a certain period of time.

Every season has a purpose for the time in which it occurs, but when it’s time for change, it’s time for the season to end so that a new one can begin.

Winter can be calming, quiet, and restful… and in contrast, Summer can be colorful and vibrant, sunny and warm…

But at the same time, too much “Winter” can become lifeless and lonely.

…too much “Summer” can become hot, overwhelming, and the land can become dry.

I can see the importance of not staying in any one thing too long. I can see why constantly moving is important. I can see the importance of not staying in any one place too long –not overstaying the welcome.

God knows what we need. We can look at the time and seasons that He’s created as an example of how to be, how to move, and how to live.

Change keeps us on our toes. Keeps us from getting stuck.

There is something to the diversity and contrast of the seasons –each one is different and each one has a part and purpose within the bigger picture. Each one is necessary, but only for a time.

I can so easily get stuck in a “season” but ultimately, every season must flow into the next one. I need change, as much as I don’t like it sometimes, I know God intends “change” to be a healthy thing for us to know and understand and to accept.

I’m thankful for this lesson and ready for what’s next!

–Heather