Day 20 - Seasons

I'm half way through this 40 day fast, and it is going well. I am proud of myself that I have been able to stick with it completely (except for those couple mistakes early on). Physically, I feel great. I am full of energy. My body seems to really be benefitting from really healthy eating, and I do believe I have lost about ten pounds. Spiritually I have grown much closer to God, which was my prayer. I really desire to know God. Not just a head knowlegde, but a close intimate relationship. I know I am moving in the right direction and it is very exciting.

Today on my morning walk, I had a heart to heart with my Father. I was frustrated yesterday, feeling overwhelmed with life and certain difficulties we are facing. I am so thankful that I can be real with Him, and even express raw emotion, and He doesn't back away, shut down or fight back. As I was basically whining to God, I looked at all the leaves around me changing color and then I heard Him whisper,

"It's just a season."

Thank you Lord, because I needed to know that this wasn't going to be my life for the rest of my time here on this green planet. Seasons. They are wonderful, aren't they? We all have our favorites. Fall really is mine. The beauty of seasons is the constant change they bring. Each season possesses something splendid; the changing leaves in fall, peaceful snowflakes drifting in winter, stunning blooms in spring and the warm sunshine of summer. The earth is constantly changing, and no two seasons are ever perfectly alike. Even during the most difficult of seasons, like winter in central New York, or summer in the south, we know that eventually it is going to change. Never before have we had winter last a whole year, and, as much as my children think they would love it all year round, summer is only three months long. And just as our seasons on earth are constantly in transition, so too are the seasons of life. Good or bad, we are just passing through these seasons. It is up to us to make the best of each one, take the good with the bad and learn all we can. Living through hard seasons while clinging to God makes us stronger and more prepared for the next season be it easy or difficult. I am trying not to despise this season of my life. With all it's ups and downs, I am trying so hard to enjoy the ride. I am trying to soak in the good, (because there is so much good!), and trying to objectively take the bad in stride. One thing I have learned from difficult seasons is that I really get to see the condition of my fruit during those trying times. Sometimes it's delectible fruit without a blemish, and other times it's rotten, nasty fruit that makes me cringe at the sight if it. I need to learn how to be thankful for every season in my life. How to gleen from each day, and lean on the Lord when I blow it. Most of all, through all the changing seasons and times, I need to remember that God is my constant, my rock, my anchor that I can hold on to when nothing else seems to be sure.

In my daily Bible reading I was reminded of the goodness of the Lord.

"But you, Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham My friend, You whom I [the Lord] have taken from the ends of the earth and have called from the corners of it, and said to you, You are My servant--I have chosen you and not cast you off [even though you are exiled]. Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice." Isaiah 41:8-10.