Seasonal Section
I have a friend who, like me, loves craft stores. She told me about Hobby Lobby and how she can spend hours there. One day on my way home from a training session, I drove pass a shopping center and saw this huge sign..."HOBBY LOBBY". I took a U-Turn, found a parking spot, and walked into this place which next to Bed, Bath, & Beyond kitchen section and Staple's clearance section, was the next best thing to Heaven on Earth. (Yes I have a thing for baking and office supplies). After I took a walk through every inch of the store, twice, I returned to an area of the store that there were decorations for every holiday. Here we are nearing Christmas and I'm browsing through Valentines and Easter decorations. I thought to myself, I am in a store where the seasonal section never changes. In life, we go through changes that are ordained by God. Just like the seasons change from winter to spring and summer to fall, so does our lives. We go through periods of seasonal weather changes that are joyful for a moment, then painful. At times we can feel like we are on top of the world and in the snap of the fingers we can be going through a storm that feels never-ending. God's word tells us that everything happens for a reason (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 ESV). God intended for us to go through these shifts in order for us to learn, grow, and trust HIM deeply. Everything we go through is about timing and purpose. At the end of the season, God makes everything beautiful (Ecclesiastes 3:11). It is important to know what season you are in so that you know when to sow and when to harvest. For example, if you are unemployed or just laid off from a job, would you make a major purchase? You are in a season of uncertainty and it would not be wise to make a financial commitment because it seems like a great deal. That is the tactic of the enemy to get you to fall short. However, if you are about graduate or received a promotion at work, you are in a season of harvest. This would be a time to reap the benefits of the harvest sown. Also, it important to know when you are shifting into a new season or when you've been in one to long because it will guide you in your prayer life. In a time of war or grief, you will seek strength and comfort from the Father. But in a season of prosperity, not only will you be thankful, but you may seek for protection and wisdom in your prayers. No matter what season you are in, you have to stay encouraged. Everything we go through in life, is God's doing. He knew from the moment that you were conceived, His plans and purpose for you (Jeremiah 29:11). He knows the exact moment that you will achieve greatness and the time you will grieve the loss of a love one. Just as it is stated in Ecclesiastes 3:1, "To everything there is a season, and a time to every PURPOSE under the heaven:" As we go through the changes in the season, we must embrace God and trust His doing.
