Change for the Better

What an unusual summer we've had.  Syracuse beat a record for their hottest day this year.  Yet we had long stretches of rain rather that our usual drought conditions as summer wanes.  The spring strawberries were nearly ruined by too much rain and all the crops came up so fast in the heat that the season's produce ended early.  Elsewhere in our country, there was massive flooding.  Violent storms occasionally interrupted our power while we prayed for others in our nation in much more dire circumstances.

September was a mild, warm month with no hint of frost until the last week.  Our first hard freeze didn't occur until November began!  But October was a dreary, rainy month.  The leaves barely had a chance to change before the chilly rains brought them down.  We thank God for the late rain that is so good for trees and shrubs.  Early this week we had two beautiful but chill days of sunshine.  I was thrilled to work outside basking in the sun despite sharp northern winds.  Perhaps we're finally catching up with our seasonal weather?

  All this has me thinking about change.  Isn't it a blessing that our seasons change so regularly?  It's easier to endure extreme conditions when we know they aren't permanent.  We have the chance to shift our focus and work at something different.  Our bodies get a rest from the strain of heat or cold.  Let's face it, it's just great to look out on a different scene from time to time!  The earth itself can be renewed during its winter slumber to better receive the spring planting.

God allows change in our lives for the same reasons.  In 1 Cor. 10:13, we are promised, 

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 

Think of how often that 'way out' is a change of circumstance?  God knows that we can stand just about anything, if it's just for a little while.  Can we remember that ourselves when faced with bitter trials or even petty annoyances?

Psalm 30:5 "weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." 

Nothing stays the same -- there will always come a change, often for the better.

Sometimes the change is from peace to turmoil.  What then?  As Job asked,

"Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?"  Job 2:10b.

Even such unpleasant change can be good for us.  It stretches our understanding and strengthens our resolve.  When at last our lives return to peace, we appreciate it all the more!

So I will gladly dig out the boots and mittens, keeping the snow shovel handy by the door.  Winter IS coming, but that can be a good thing after all.  Hope it finds you anticipating the blessings of change.

Love as always,  Elaine