I feel that I have observed often in different arenas of life and from different people, those who are craving a season other than the one in which they are. I, too, have been guilty. Years ago, I ran onto the following quote that really stuck with me… “Enjoy the going and stop thinking so fiercely about getting there.” I have no idea who originally said this, but I thank you! This really struck me…I was often thinking, “When I get to this point, I’ll be happy;” or, “When I get this done…” Regardless, I was always looking at the next thing to bring me happiness.
I am a real planner! I love to plan! L-O-V-E – LOVE it! If I am not careful, though, I enjoy planning ahead so much that when the execution period comes, I am not in the moment. I may be concerned about every detail being carried out to a T; or, I may actually be planning my next move! I used to get very upset when my plans were changed. Well, now, I call it “planning with flexibility” (a must in the education field!). Because of the change God has made within me, I don’t get AS bent out of shape as I used to when plans get changed…but I DO “love it when a plan comes together!” Just as important, however (or maybe more so), is the fact that I am able to enjoy the present, even while sometimes planning for the future.
When my husband and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary, we decided to have a celebration with family and friends…like a reunion almost. I loved planning every detail and pulling it together…but, I did NOT fail to enjoy the few moments we had with our family and friends as they came to celebrate with us.
This moment is a gift that has been given to us. It is worth treasuring – today. If I spend every minute planning, preparing, and worrying over the moments that are not here yet, my joy is being stolen from me. On the other hand, if I spend my current gift of the present wishing I could hold on to a season that has past, I am still missing the joy and happiness of the current season.
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every
purpose under the heaven:” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
I love living in a climate where the seasons change. I enjoy each one. Probably my least favorite is extremes in any direction mostly because of the difficulties that come with that. I love fall, first, because of the beauty, the colors, the cool weather, the clothes, the boots, the bonfires, and the fact that the holidays are coming. I also love winter. I love snow, snow, lots of snow! I enjoy the cold. I do realize that both can create problems for people, and I don’t wish that on anyone; but I love that in many cases, it slows us down a bit. We can bury in and play games, or go out and play in the beauty of the snow, and then come in and have some hot chocolate. This doesn’t mean that I don’t like spring or summer. I love the birds singing in the spring, the daffodils and tulips blooming, simply how green everything looks! And then there is summer. I love riding with the windows down and the sunroof open (If I had a convertible, I’d enjoy that, too!). I love to swim! Oh, and the beach – I love, LOVE the beach!! What a beautiful wonder of nature that God gave us to enjoy! I do, however, see people who seem angry about the winter season – especially the snow. When you live where I do, you are likely going to have some cold and some snow at the very least, and some years more than others. While I was still teaching, I learned very quickly during those winters when we had 20 “snow days,” that many people wanted that season to be over. (I had to be very careful expressing my great happiness for all of the snow we were having!) Often, it is similar in life. We grieve so strongly for a season other than the one in which we are, that we cannot see the beauty in the current one; and as a result, are left with a feeling of discontentment.
The verses directly before Philippians 4:8 that I have referred to a couple of times in this chapter (and includes another version of verse six which was mentioned in the section on fear) say,
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Vs.
6,7)
If we are bent on spending our moments wishing we were in a different season of life, we most certainly are not experiencing God’s peace as we could be. These verses encourage us to tell God what we need. If we are consumed with the past or the future…basically, any season other than the one we are in, we should tell God about it. Seek out why. “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every [emphasis mine] detail of their lives.” (Psalms 37:23) We needn’t be concerned that what we need to talk to God about is too trivial. Then don’t forget to thank Him, as was mentioned in the previous two sections. Very important! Even if you don’t feel it yet…begin to thank Him; praise Him…find something – anything – for which to thank Him! Let it become a habit. I will offer a suggestion on where to start…thank Him for helping you to bring to Him the added weight of carrying with you a season that is not yours…and any other weight you are finished hauling.
Simply Celebrate With Jackie 