from Pastor Austin

 

 

'Summertime is always the best of what might be." - Charles Bowden

 

Summer is full of warmth, the promise of freedom for school children, the excitement of plans, and the coming together of friends over food. It represents some of our best memories and most exciting moments. The summer is a period of time that genuinely brings happiness.

 

Scripture tells us that there is a time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3). Though we may have our favorite seasons that we wish we could experience without end, other seasons are also beneficial in their own right. For instance, what we learn through mourning is different than what we learn through jubilation. We can't forsake seasons of life just because they are more difficult. This is so critical for our children to understand as well. 

 

Romans 5:3-4 says this:

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character; and character, hope.

 

There are experiences in life that we must go through, and even celebrate, because it actually brings us closer to being the people God wants us to be. Escapism isn't holy. Neither is surrounding yourself with a willing ignorance of the real world. God wants to bless you through every season. Can we trust Him as we walk through the mountains AND the valleys in our lives?

 

Take time today to pray and ask God to give you courage and faith as you continue walking in the season of life you are currently in. And if you find yourself in a difficult season, remember that your season of jubilance may be right around the corner.

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Ready to work with your children on this? Talk with them about high and low moments they may have gone through in their past. Work together to list where they may have seen God at work in each of those seasons. Take time to celebrate God's faithfulness through prayer. 

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Praying for your family today,

Pastor Austin