I grew up in New Jersey, where I could happily experience all four seasons. Each one held its distinct characteristics. Surprisingly, I never favored one over the other but was always happy to see the entrance and exit of them all. However, this post will focus on autumn, known as fall. When I think of fall, thoughts of relief from the hot summer weather enter my mind. “A New Season-Fall!”
Additionally, fall represents a time when trees shed their colorful leaves. Cool, brisk temperatures begin to send birds south. Further, the fireplace starts to generate inviting warm heat. As a result of the cooler air, beautiful mums line houses and gardens. You get the picture. “A New Season-Fall!”
Well, how does all of this tie in with relationships, you may be wondering? First, consider what fall looks like, as I described briefly above. Some relationships, after a while, may become “cool ” and begin to wither and possibly die slowly. Have you ever had the experience of a relationship changing? I am sure most of us can answer, “yes!” Hence without what I call relationship protocols like caring, sharing, trusting, and open, honest communication, to name a few, relationships will wither or worse, end in a painful manner.
Like dead leaves have to be blown away or put in bags for removal, we must do away with unhealthy parts of our relationships. Relationships require cleaning up and out at times! The best way to accomplish thorough cleaning and maintenance in our relationships is to be led and directed by the principles of God. For example, the Beatitudes teach us to be meek, merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers. The fruit of the Spirit speaks of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. Need I say more?
Lastly, as fall approaches, use this time to talk to God about your relationships and yourself, as I will do. For things that are dying or need to die within ourselves, let’s ask God to do the work so when spring comes again, we can burst forth with new life! “A New Season-Fall!” But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18. I’ll be back next week with a new post, “What Would You Change?”
Be encouraged, and God bless!
Sister Jackie
Yes, I love the four seasons as well.
It reminds me that when your winning season comes into your life don’t let it pass you by. God has chosen you at that time to move on your blessings he has provided for you.
It’s a GOD thing.
Thank you sister for that reminder encouragement word
Love you,
Erma Miller
Amen! When our winning season comes, we need to hold fast to God and get all He has for us. Yes, it is a “God thing!” Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to this post. May the grace of our almighty God keep you on the winning side! God bless you abundantly, my sister.
My husband and I were just talking about the experience of feeling the change in seasons. Particularly this year, so many transitions have happened with our family as the fall weather approaches. I’ve started a new job, my son has started to regularly be apart from me during the day, our business is starting to generate new revenue for us, and sadly, my father in law has passed away. We’re being prayerful about what God has for us in the end of this year, and we’ve agreed to be intentional about giving each other grace and we adjust to our new normal and take on more responsibility. Thank you for sharing this post with us, love you Mama Jackie.
Each season on the natural side brings many changes, and so it is with life. Every change may not be pleasing to us, but in all things, we give thanks for the will of God. Being intentional with grace toward each other is beautiful! God is working in this season on your behalf. Sorry for your loss, and may God comfort you and your husband. Thank you for sharing your wonderful comments, and may God’s amazing grace and love uplift and carry you through each season of life. God bless you, my sweet daughter.
Love It! “Like dead leaves have to be blown away or put in bags for removal, we must do away with unhealthy ‘parts’ of our relationships.” I like that you differentiated that we don’t necessarily always need to do away with or eliminate the “entire” relationship, but sometimes, we only need to process “part” of it, the negative dead parts.
Thanks again for this powerful “life” instruction for grooming all of our relationships, that they may be all-around healthy relationships, to us and for us!
Thank you for your thoughtful comments. As the cool weather is bringing changes in our environment, the seasons of our life bring forth changes. As you stated, “we only need to process the negative dead parts.” May God guide, lead and cover you during each season of your life. Blessings, my sister!