Isn't it funny how much we forget things from one year to the next? I've been riding around for the past couple of weeks in complete awe of the beauty of autumn (maybe that should be spelled "awe"tumn). The colors are so vast and vibrant. The shades of red astound me, and that yellow-orange takes my breath away. I don't even know the names of many of the shades that are visible this time of year. Often, all I can say is "Ooh!" and "Aah!"
The amazing thing is that autumn is beautiful every year. Each year, we have the opportunity to study colors that only God could have thought of. We enjoy the crisp weather. We are fascinated by the colors. We can't wait to take that trip into the mountains. But, come winter, all the joy of autumn is forgotten. How sad!
The Christian life can often be the same way. When we are on the mountain tops, everything is beautiful. Life is good! We have our health. We have money in the bank. The road seems smooth. But, as soon as hard times come, we instantly drop into despair and experience spiritual amnesia. We completely forget about the good times we've just had or the past troubles that God has seen us through. During these times, it seems like all we can do is focus on the problem at hand. We focus on the dark, cold winter.
Yes, winter can be tough, but it's necessary. Winter is a time of rest. It is a time for the plants and many of the animals to be renewed. Without winter, things just wouldn't work right. (Plus, we'd have no Christmas!)
Just as winter is necessary, hard times are also needed. It is during these times that we grow in our Christianity. It is during these times that we learn to trust God a little more. It is during these times that we realize how much God loves us. Painful? Sometimes. Necessary? Always.
My advice? First of all, if you haven't taken the time to enjoy the beauty outside your window, stop everything and go do it right now. I'm serious! Go take a deep breath of that nice air. Study the different shades around you and see if you can think of a name for each of them. (If you think of one for that shade that looks like red, orange, and yellow all blended together, let me know.) Above all, praise the God who loves us enough to surround us with such an awesome view.
Second, remember. Remember the good times and the bad. Remember that you will face hardships, but that beauty is waiting on the other side. Remember that God is faithful, and that He knows what you're going through. Remember that winter is only one season, and it too shall pass.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a date with my husband. We're going up to the mountains to do a little sight-seeing. After all, it's a beautiful day, and I don't want to waste it.
He hath made every thing beautiful in his time.
Ecclesiastes 3:11
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