Seasons (2)

When I first read the speech “All the world’s a stage” in Shakespeare’s ….. I was fascinated. I was probably in my mid 20’s. I thought it was insightful and interesting. As I’ve aged, I have often thought about how accurate Shakespeare was

 “All the World’s a Stage” - by William Shakespeare         

All the world’s a stage,

And all the men and women merely players;

They have their exits and their entrances;

And one man in his time plays many parts,

His acts being seven ages. At first the infant,

Mewling and puking in the nurse’s arms;

And then the whining school-boy, with his satchel

And shining morning face, creeping like snail

Unwillingly to school. And then the lover,

Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad

Made to his mistress’ eyebrow. Then a soldier,

Full of strange oaths, and bearded like the pard,

Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel,

Seeking the bubble reputation

Even in the cannon’s mouth. And then the justice,

In fair round belly with good capon lin’d,

With eyes severe and beard of formal cut,

Full of wise saws and modern instances;

And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts

Into the lean and slipper’d pantaloon,

With spectacles on nose and pouch on side;

His youthful hose, well sav’d, a world too wide

For his shrunk shank; and his big manly voice,

Turning again toward childish treble, pipes

And whistles in his sound. Last scene of all,

That ends this strange eventful history,

Is second childishness and mere oblivion;

Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.

Perhaps you’ve identified yourself – our graduates are clearly in a transition of life. Some of us are in the middle of one of at least 4 of the stages, while others slide from one into the other. That’s the thing about seasons – they change.

Seasons

I thought that the topic of seasons would be worth considering in a series like ours, “Love, Relationships, and Marriage”. The Bible is filled with examples of characters who we follow through life. Consider David, a shepherd boy, lover, soldier, justice, and on to his death. Joseph’s life goes through seasons from a day-dreaming boy to slave to, ultimately, royalty.

Seasons don’t come with manuals. I wish they did. For example, “you’ve graduated from high school! Here’s your manual!” Nope. Instead, we instinctively know that something has changed or is changing and on we go.

The wisest of all men did give us some insight. The Holy Spirit inspired Solomon to write this:

Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 (NIV)

1There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

2a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,

4a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

6a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

Well, that certainly establishes that there is a time for this and a time for that. I sure wish I could ask some follow up questions…

- How do I know when it is time to change?

- How do I know when it is time to end something?

- How can I tell if it is a time to separate from something or draw closer?

- How do I know when it is time to draw a line in the sand or reconcile differences?

Shakespeare addressed the macro seasons; I think that we need to realize that there are micro seasons – seasons within larger seasons. If you’ll reread Ecclesiastes, every verse seems to me to have been relevant throughout life. So, rather than talking about our life cycles, let’s focus in on handling the micro-seasons that we all will encounter. And let’s see what the Bible can offer us in assistance.

Navigating the Seasons of Our Lives

Pastor Laurel Akers used to frequently remind his congregation and ours that we are either going into a storm, in a storm, coming out of a storm, or resting from being in a storm. I suppose that “storm” is a negative way of expressing it. I would choose to use the term “season”.  We are going into a season, in a season, coming out of a season, or resting from being in a season. Seasons aren’t all bad. After all, there are “springs” and “summers”.

If I were to begin a season of study again, I think I would spend more time pursuing practical biblical theology. This would include subjects like dealing with seasons. Regardless of the schooling I suspect that one of the primary authorities would be Henry Cloud. So, I easily admit that the majority of my study has been from him.

"Seasons" to illustrate the cyclical nature of life, emphasizing that all things, including relationships and opportunities, have a beginning, middle, and end. He encourages embracing change, accepting necessary endings, and finding balance during challenging times.

#1 - Embrace Change

Think of the changes that Solomon provides in just 8 verses: birth/death, planting/uprooting, killing/healing, tearing down/building up, weeping/laughing, mourning/dancing, separation/gathering, embracing/distancing, searching/giving up, keep/throw away, tearing/mending, be silent/speak, love/hate, and war/peace. 14 different couplets of actions or attitudes.

What can we conclude? Life is composed of cycles and seasons, and nothing lasts forever. Change is inevitable. Accepting this fundamental truth allows us to align our actions with our feelings and beliefs, even when things end or become difficult.

If change is inevitable, we must…

#2 - Accept Necessary Endings

He highlights the importance of knowing when to let go of outdated mindsets, relationships, or strategies that no longer serve us. Understand that the Word of God and absolute truth will never change, but thousands of other expressions will.

I’ve been reading through Jeremiah and I’m to the place when the Babylonians are overthrowing Jerusalem. Over and over again Jeremiah l goes to the king and tells him to surrender. If he does the Babylonians will not kill him and the people. The king refuses. You can imagine the king’s problem. Since when is surrender and captivity a good leadership plan? But it was God’s plan, voiced by God’s prophet. Jeremiah 29:11 was spoken prior to captivity –

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) 11For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Pruning away what no longer aligns with our future vision is essential for personal growth and new beginnings.

Not All Endings are Easy

As a parent it is not easy to watch your child graduate and move on. It is not easy to stop mothering your grown and married children. It is not easy to retire. It is not easy to age. It is not easy to step back from doing to instructing…and there are thousands of examples of practical examples of this.

While acknowledging that endings can be difficult, he emphasizes that they are often necessary for thriving and realizing our dreams. So much of this happens in our thinking…

Your thinking, more than anything else, shapes the way you live. It’s really true that if you change your thinking, you can change your life. – John Maxwell

Pruning and Reassessment

Sometimes "pruning" is required for better growth. This includes reassessing commitments and letting go of what no longer aligns with our future vision.

Everything has seasons, and we have to be able to recognize when something's time has passed and be able to move into the next season. Everything that is alive requires pruning as well, which is a great metaphor for endings. – Henry Cloud

What needs to end in order for you to grow? Pruning also involves letting go of things that aren't improving despite our best efforts and removing what's already dead or non-functional to make space for new growth. Ask yourself, "Are there aspects in my life that are no longer serving me, and how can I let go to create space for growth?"[1]

#3 - Find Balance

During difficult seasons, it's tempting to focus solely on the problem, but remember to live and enjoy the present moment. Finding balance involves being present for the season, even if it's challenging, and appreciating it for what it is, not just what it leads to.

I’ve had to learn to do a better job of being present. Accept and celebrate what you can in the moment that you are in.

There’s always going to be a next — the next season, goal, milestone. But if we’re not careful, we live our lives always chasing, never enjoying. The truth is, this season — even if it’s hard, even if it’s uncertain — still holds something worth noticing. Be present for it. Love it for what it is, not just what it leads to. – Dr. Henry Cloud

Truth to Hold On to in Your Season

God Does NEW Things

Isaiah 43:19 (NIV) 19See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

God Is With You!

Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV) 8The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Seasons Will Purify and Strengthen You

1 Peter 1:6–7 (NIV) 6In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

God’s Plan is Bigger Than Your Plan

Genesis 12:1–2 (NIV) 1The Lordhad said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.

2“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.

Finally, Trust the Hand that Holds Your Season

Regardless of the season that you are in, do not forget that God is with you.

Psalm 32:8 (NIV) 8I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

God doesn’t waste a single season of your life. Every joy, every pain, every change is part of Hisdivine story. Paul reminds us…

Romans 8:28 (NIV) 28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

What is your season? What is God teaching you? Whether you're blooming, building, letting go, or simply waiting, remember: the season will change, but God never does. He is your constant, your refuge, your guide.

[1] https://www.boundaries.me/blog/what-needs-to-end-in-order-for-you-to-grow