Most of us look forward to the changing of seasons, especially when earth turns technicolor. I do. But then there’s the other side – when clocks turn ahead and speed time and darkness. It’s all about the focus.
It’s the same with personal seasons – when frailty collides with the way we see it.
Once again, as this season of crisis would have it, I’m spending a few calendar pages in hospitals and nursing facilities among those who begged against it – every one of them once expected to stay well and able. I just know it.
I pause in corridors to observe once strong men who provided for families now depend on chairs with wheels to move them from one place to another – and capable women who raised babies and kept homes now sit alone in an antiseptic room filled with memories in a frame.
They have a story of when time stood still yet passed so quickly.
It triggers despair if I look at their now. But they had a then.
To have hope in the no-matter-the-season may sound like fluff-filled answers rather than a sure promise from the One who can spin it into gold. But, I’ve seen it happen, haven’t you?
Because nothing stays the same. David went from a sheep pasture to a throne. Peter was a fisherman who became the Rock of the church. Joseph went from pit to palace to rule Egypt. And Mary went from peasant to parent of the Messiah.
Grace gives ability to embrace the season.
When God shifts our lives – our responsibility is to shift our focus. We can choose to see the bitter-sweetness of autumn (and ourselves) as a multi-colored glow or the withered and fallen that once was.
Life is a cache of colored moments of grace.
May the days ahead allow you (and me) to see the days ahead . . .
Cause me to hear Your loving kindness in the morning for on You do I lean and in You do I trust. Cause me to know the way where I should walk for I lift up my inner self to you. Psalm 143:8
Verna
Carolyn Knefely says
October 17, 2015 at 2:19 amBeautifully written, Verna.
Like picking up a stunning leave, I’ll keep this sentence you wrote, “Grace gives ability to embrace the season.” It’s a real treasure.
Write on!
Verna Bowman says
October 17, 2015 at 2:11 pmThank you, Carolyn! Only grace helps us learn to own the reality of the Word that tells us it is sufficient, no matter 🙂
Frances Gregory Pasch says
October 17, 2015 at 9:05 amLove this devotion, Verna. Especially these lines, “When God shifts our lives – our responsibility is to shift our focus. We can choose to see the bitter-sweetness of autumn (and ourselves) as a multi-colored glow or the withered and fallen that once was.”
Verna Bowman says
October 17, 2015 at 2:15 pmThank you for visiting and sending these encouraging words, Fran! It’s our choice to look in the direction that brings hope . . .
Bonnie Smith says
October 17, 2015 at 4:17 pmBeautifully written. Tears in my eyes as we walk this path again. Love you much.
Verna Bowman says
October 18, 2015 at 6:39 pmThank you, dear Bonnie . . . for the loving comment and for walking this path with me for so long . . .
Teresa Lasher says
October 18, 2015 at 7:40 amWell said. Changing seasons, shift our focus. Our focus really does matter. Thank you for sharing these thoughtful, wise words from Him. Write on, my sister-friend. Teresa
Verna Bowman says
October 18, 2015 at 6:42 pmLoved having just these few words with you, Teresa . . yes, sometimes so many broken pieces block our view – it’s important to look further at the wholeness down the way 🙂 Bless you!
Maureen Hager says
October 18, 2015 at 10:45 amVerna, A beautiful reminder of changing seasons in our lives.
Verna Bowman says
October 18, 2015 at 6:44 pmYes, and sometimes we don’t know where we are on the journey till we catch up to the change,Maureen! Thank you so much for stopping to leave a loving comment.
Lynda Stear says
October 18, 2015 at 12:50 pmVerna,
I worked in nursing homes, and, yes, everyone has a life story, but unfortunately many loved ones are forgotten. God is still writing your story, Verna. You are grounded in your faith, but at the same time, life-circumstances prompted you to refocus. Life experiences during our senior years are part of the continuum of life until we go Home. Your blogs always get me thinking , for I, too, have had to refocus recently and hear reassurance in your words. Thank-you.
Verna Bowman says
October 18, 2015 at 6:49 pmAnd this has me grateful, dear writing friend, that you understand and that these words would bring reassurance and re-focus. . . I hope it continues . . .
Glenda Mills says
October 18, 2015 at 5:29 pmBeautiful Verna. God continues to shift and sharpen your focus to see things through heavens perspective and gives you the ability to weave words of wisdom, grace and encouragement to others. Thank you for sharing. Lvu
Verna Bowman says
October 18, 2015 at 6:50 pmOh Glenda – you always say the kindest words to bless me – thank you, dear friend.
Laura Acuna says
October 18, 2015 at 8:54 pmSo beautiful Verna. You are a wise woman — your wisdom comes from a life lived in obedience to the Lord. I appreciate your kindness and humility both in person and on the written page. Thank you for showing us how to walk through the coming seasons — such a beautiful perspective.
Verna Bowman says
October 19, 2015 at 6:03 pmIt was so great serving together in Maryland – won’t forget our time there, Laura! You’re an encourager dear sister-friend, thank you for these kind words.
Liz Cowen Furman says
October 20, 2015 at 8:23 pmWow Verna I have been walking those halls myself lately. Great perspective you shared here. Thanks. I’m praying for His perspective on everything.
Verna Bowman says
October 21, 2015 at 7:41 pmPraying with you, dear sister – know the halls well 🙂
Jessie says
October 21, 2015 at 7:41 amThanks, verna. You always inspire me. So glad I waited till today to read this as I am going to say good-bye to my dear 101 yr old friend, Dora today. My heartbreaks as I think about it but recl the fullness of her life. I love you dearly, lady!
Verna Bowman says
October 21, 2015 at 7:44 pmThank you, Jessie, your comment inspires me! And how many beautiful seasons of life Dora must’ve experienced in her ordained century! Love you dearly, also!