Changing of Seasons

As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease (Genesis 8:22, NIV).

The first week after the time change is always a little rough. My brain and body typically take a few weeks to adjust to the newness of the early daylight, and the sunset before 6pm. I love summertime, warmer weather, and longer days, so this time change is not my favorite. 

Some love the extra hour of sleep, while others enjoy the early sunrise. The darkness throws everyone off, and we’re ready for bed by 7:30pm. I love that the time change coincides with the start of Kentucky basketball, and the crispness of the air means the holidays are coming. 

Change can bring about so many emotions, and often, we don’t always do so well with the adjustments. Kids struggle with their routines, and parents are exhausted. If you’re someone who struggles with driving at night, your social calendar shrinks as the sun sets early in the evening. If you don’t do well with cold weather, your time spent outside suddenly decreases, while others finally begin to enjoy the outdoors with early morning walks and evening bonfires.

When change comes, whether it’s a changing of seasons or something more significant in our lives, it can be easy to fall into the trap of complaining.

I don’t like the darkness.

I am not a fan of the cold weather.

I can’t walk outside comfortably anymore.

I’m waking up so early.

Complaining is contagious, but so is gratitude. 

I am grateful that Jesus is my light in the darkness.

I am grateful the cold weather allows for storing of energy for the growing season.

I am grateful for clothes to keep me warm when it’s cold outside.

I am grateful for the extra time in the morning to spend with Jesus.

We have a choice. We can complain, or we can embrace the inevitable changing of the seasons. Genesis 8:22 reminds us that change was always part of God’s plan: 

“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.”

As long as the earth endures. As long as I’m living and breathing. As long as Jesus is seated on the throne at the right hand of God. Instead of complaining, my prayer today is that we look to the Word of God. When we center our thoughts on what is true, we can shift our focus to a place of gratitude. Let’s live there today.