We all go through different seasons in our lives. And no, I don't mean the basic four that come around every calendar year. What kinds of seasons am I talking about, then? Specific time periods in your life that indicate where you are physically, spiritually, emotionally, or even mentally. Confused yet? If you've never heard about any of those, allow me to share my experience as an example.
A year ago, I was in (what I consider now to be) a very weird season. God was getting ready to test me in a huge way even though I had absolutely no clue. Physically (location-wise), I was in my third year of school at the University of Arkansas. Spiritually, my relationship with God was flourishing as I constantly was being poured into, and pouring out through serving in my church. Emotionally, I had a guy I cared about, a best friend I had never been closer to, a job I loved, and I was genuinely happy about my season. But honestly, my mental health began to suffer. I became overwhelmed with stress from everything listed above. Slowly, piece by piece, those things I had my emotions tied to came to an end. Thankfully, that season did also and I transitioned into an awkward in-between phase.
Flash forward four months, and here I am at the start of a new season. I'm in my fourth year of school, but this time at Ouachita Baptist University. That's right, God relocated me!! And let me tell you, that change alone has been an absolute blessing! Being at a Christian university has been wonderful for my faith. I can't tell you how cool it is to worship the Lord in an auditorium with your entire school. Or how adored I feel when my professors incorporate verses into their daily lessons. Not to mention how my speech professor prayed before our very first class. This all brings me to where I am emotionally. Honestly, in all my years of college I have never had professors that truly cared about not just my education, but for myself as a person and as a Christian. I'm elated just at the thought of that. The Lord has certainly provided. I came here knowing a handful of people and just hoping and praying I could make friends in my classes. Not only have I made such wonderful friends, but I even found a roommate for the next year and a half by my second week here. God has poured His blessings over this season and I cannot even begin to express my gratitude.
Sure, I was uprooted and my entire life was basically flipped upside down, but this season is 1000x better than my previous one. I hope that you now have a more clear understanding of what a season is. No, you don't have to go through the dramatic life changes that I did, but even small changes can indicate the beginning of a new season. Whether it's a new job, significant other, a new major, or just maturing in your faith, all changes are indications of new seasons.
Not everyone has experienced the same seasons, but I assure you, you never go through a season alone. During my weird, in-between season, the Lord was there every step of the way. He held my hand, picked me up when I fell down (hard), and held me in His arms until I was ready to begin again. When I think about it now, I'm no longer hurt, ashamed, or embarrassed about what I went through. I consider it a part of my testimony and I embrace it. It has molded me into who I am today. That's what seasons do, they allow you to learn from your mistakes and accomplish what God has planned for you to do. If you're going through a season and struggling to see the light at the end, keep persevering, God is with you throughout each moment of the day.
So whether you are going through a dark and dreary learning season, feeling on top of the world in a bright and sunshiny season, or any season in-between, don't be complacent. Instead, embrace this time because God has you exactly where you're supposed to be right now, in this very moment.
