We'll build new traditions in place of the old
'cause life without revision will silence our souls
~Snow by Sleeping At Last
For many along the eastern seaboard, it may not be officially winter on the calendar, but it certainly feels like it. Although I'm not the biggest fan of the cold, I appreciate the crisp air wafting scents from wood stoves and fireplaces into my nostrils so that my olfactory senses can enjoy them. I learn to appreciate the little things in winter in order to remind myself that it's not all cold, darkness, and depression. But without these dormant periods in the environment, there wouldn't be any appreciation for the fresh, green grass, trees, and flowers come springtime.
Much like the seasons on a calendar, our lives cycle through seasons. Some seasons may include numerous trials, while others are full of joy. During some seasons we may be rather productive, while others have us desperately searching for meaning and significance. Without this ebb and flow, there is the potential for getting too comfortable, losing focus, and possibly drifting from God. Our faith may get stale and our effectiveness within ministry may diminish without down time that allows us to recuperate.
For a portion of the year, I volunteer for various disaster relief projects around the country. Most of the work is physically demanding, spiritually taxing, and emotionally exhausting, but I'm very aware that an impact is being made within the community. From clean yards, to mudded out homes, to tears of joy, there is typically a tangible representation for the work accomplished. The struggle for me during these times, though, is staying in the Word. Ironic how one can overtly be doing kingdom work, yet internally losing touch with God in the process. On the other hand, the season I find myself in at the moment is at the total other end of the spectrum. I'm currently doing data entry for a ministry project, but because the work is so monotonous, I have a minimal sense of accomplishment at the end of each day. The blessing in my work, though, is that I have more time to commune with God. In order to beat traffic, I leave early in the morning, which gives me extra time to read my daily devotional and some Scripture when I get to work. I also have the opportunity to listen to worship music as I type, and I'm able to get a better sense of who God is when I fully concentrate on the lyrics.
Change is necessary and inevitable in order to keep our souls from getting stagnant. No matter what season you find yourself in today, remember that your significance in life is wrapped up in God and that you're truly making a difference when He is glorified by your actions. As Colossians 3:17 reminds us, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
