He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Psalm 1:3-4
One of my favorite things about living in Colorado is experiencing the seasons, and sometimes in a single day! My favorites are Fall, Winter and Spring. Fall brings the sometimes dramatic end of a year, Winter shows me when growth seems dormant, but Spring jumps at me, showing how Winter is a mask for unseen growth. If ever there was a reminder of how life as a human can be, the seasons of this glorious planet are the best I can imagine.
While the Psalms come from many years ago, in a faraway region of the world, the metaphor of the tree is still relevant. The trees in Colorado tap into the ground and draw water and nourishment from the soil, just like those in Israel. The results include a strong tree, many leaves, and fruit of one variety or another. Our lives echo this entire example, both in the seasons experienced by woodlands and the fruit trees produce. Throughout our lives, seasons come and go, rarely repeating in the same manner from one to the next. And there are those that are favorites, and those that aren’t so much a favorite at all.
My current season sometimes seems out of control. Of course, when I truly contemplate my seasons in life, I’m never really in control. I suppose now it just feels especially so. I’m sure if you were to examine your life, the seasons you’ve experienced, you’d feel the same way.
What about the present season? Is it one you’ll remember with joy and happiness, or one you’d just as soon forget? Like I mentioned, this season in life for me is moving apace, but I’m really enjoying it. Yes, I’m busy, but the things keeping me busy are enjoyable things. Things like a community at work, home, and church, and living deeper with those whom are my family and friends. It’s truly remarkable. Do you feel the same? If you’re outside today, and find a leaf on the ground, why not pick it up, sit down, and reflect on your life season and consider all the good it can produce. If you’re struggling, prayerfully read the following passage, Psalm 121, and know that God is with you, and knows all about your seasons (including the one you’re in), and loves you dearly.
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, he who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord is your keeper;
the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
6 The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord will keep you from all evil;
he will keep your life.
8 The Lord will keep
your going out and your coming in
from this time forth and forevermore.
Psalm 121 (ESV)
By Rich Obrecht
