Seasonal Adjustments

Perhaps I put a bit too much emotion into the act of picking tomatoes, but, darn it! I think the tomatoes know that soon I shall cut off their water supply and dig the roots that bring their very lifeblood! Their poor leaves have already begun to wilt and grow sere in these cooler temperatures and reduced hours of daylight. I breathe a heavy sigh, apologizing to them, but also thanking them for supplying us with delicious fruit all summer long.

Emily Rogers

Seasons…one would think that after almost 70 years of observing the seasons change that I’d just come to easily accept the changes that take place as we transition from one to another. Don’t get me wrong: I LOVE the fact that we get to observe four seasons here in North Idaho. For over 40 years in Alaska, I experienced mostly two seasons each year. In Interior Alaska, we had about nine months of winter and three months of summer. In Delta Junction, we experienced some extremely cold and extremely hot temperatures in each. In Southeast Alaska, we had mostly Spring and Fall—rainy, moderate temperatures in both. So, having four seasons is a real treat. BUT, every seasonal change brings much adjustment for my pea-pickin’ noggin!

When I force myself to think through this adjustment phase (regardless of which season I’m leaving and joining), I’m always quite grateful for the pleasures of each one.

Winter brings that clean, white snow and bright blue skies above. The darkness allows me to clearly see the constellations and focus on the heavens above. The rush of Spring brings that special, light-green emergence of new growth everywhere. I marvel as the once slumbering bushes and deciduous trees come to life once again. Then, Summer brings the explosion of perennial bulbs, followed shortly by the annual fragrant and colorful blooms of petunias in my yard. And, of course, the delectable tomatoes and zucchini, green beans, mint and basil. Fall brings the bright red of the burning bush and berry bushes, bright yellow of the tamarack and orange of the maple trees. God’s paintbrush brings splashes of color!

Although I hate to admit it, I must also confess the downside I feel through these seasonal adjustments.

Winter’s darkness causes a lack of internal energy in me, not a condition I enjoy. Spring means the task of cleaning-up that which has been covered by darkness, dead leaves, and snow. Summer gets too hot for my comfort, and air conditioning is too cold. Fall means the death knell for my vegetables and flowers.
​
Okay, okay, time to snap out of it and turn to my source for constant inspiration, the Bible: And, wouldn’t you know it? No problem finding encouragement in Psalm 126: 5-6.

5 Those who sow with tears
    will reap with songs of joy.
6 Those who go out weeping,
    carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
    carrying sheaves with them.

Not only does it talk about the ups and downs of life, but the passages also connect it to these seasonal changes! Hm, what else does the Bible say?
​
At Lystra, Paul and Barnabas preached to the Gentiles. While they turned many to God, others assaulted them.

​“They shouted, 15 “Friends, why are you doing this?... 17 …He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”

Yes, even though I might want to look at these adjustments in a negative light, He lifts me with His enumerable gifts.
​
Admittedly, the Byrds first introduced me to Ecclesiastes by singing Pete Seeger’s tune, “Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season).” He took those lyrics almost verbatim from Ecclesiastes 3.

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, a time to reap that which is planted;

Even though Ecclesiastes was written well over two millennia before, there is comfort in knowing many before me have wrestled with adjusting to the changes in the seasons of life. There is a rhythm to life, and I should learn to go with the flow more.
​
I think our children’s director, Carley Walker, sums it up nicely when she tells us that the Bible is God’s love story and instruction manual for us. Truly, the Bible brings me much comfort and knowledge that whatever I’m going through, God is with me, guiding my way.

For this God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end. (Psalm 48:14)

Amen! Your friend in Christ,
Emily Rogers