Isn’t it awe-striking when you experience elements of all seasons during one spring day? At these time, it’s important we know how to be ready in any season.
In the morning you see a dusting of frost, but by afternoon you take a walk in the bright, warm sun, tucking away gloves into your jacket pockets to only put on later, as wet snow falls from grey skies that were cloudless just hours before.
You’ve heard it, and known it to be true. At least in the place where I live. Blink, and the weather changes. It’s an observation and a complaint. We check our weather apps before we leave our homes. Will we need to pack our wool hat AND our sun hat today? Will one spring jacket be sufficient, or should we add a fleece hoodie to bags? (The changing weather, I am convinced, is why “backpack” purses are so popular.)
All this preparation for the unexpected can be cumbersome and frustrating. How to be ready for any season when the seasons seems to change so quickly!
Yet, I love it.
In every season, in my car you will find two wool hats, a pair of thin gloves, a pair of ski mitts, a wool scarf, a neck warmer, a pair of winter boots, a pair of sandals, a winter coat, a summer sweater, a rain coat, a wool blanket, a beach towel, and a tarp. At one time I also packed a tent—you just never know when a spontaneous car trip may require a camp-out.
Call me crazy, and some have.
And maybe it is crazy to try do the impossible of being ready in any season for all seasons.
And anything does not exclude the unexpected.
The Great Commission
After His resurrection, Jesus gave the eleven disciples their Great Commission to “make disciples of all nations.” I imagine the disciples were excited, yet nervous, unsure of what to expect of their future. Yet, they were equipped from their time with Jesus, witnessing how He taught and treated the people. Confident that Jesus was with them always, they obediently set out on their mission.
No matter the season, and no matter the unexpected situations that happen within our seasons, God’s commissioned us to serve Him. So, how can we be prepared for the opportunities God gives us?
How can we be ready in any season to serve God?
1. Grow in confidence that God directs our lives by providing us His love and strength that leads us toward a better future for His purpose.
2. Grow in your trials, letting God know how you feel, but don’t give into grief, bitterness, or despair. Set your hope “on the “marvellous grace that is coming to you.”
3. Grow in courage because Jesus will carry us through everything.
Isn’t is awe-striking when an unexpected opportunity comes to share God’s love? — more awe-striking than an unexpected sparkling mound of snow on a river bank on a warm spring day (and that’s crazy incredible).
Scripture on how to be ready in any season:
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of age.” Matthew 28: 18-20.
“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out season; correct, rebuke and encourage— with great patience and instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:2
So then, prepare your hearts and minds for action! Stay alert and fix your hope firmly on the marvellous grace that is coming to you. For when Jesus Christ is unveiled, a greater measure of grace will be released to you. 1 Peter:13
P.S. I’ve missed you, friends. And writing. And taking photographs. This season of transitions that includes navigating a new work schedule, is challenging. More changes are happening just around the corner, too!
This picture was taken on Good Friday. Do you see the amount of snow?! And just a few days later–GONE. 🙂
In my hand is Bonnie’s Gray’s latest book, Breathe, 21 days to Stress Less and Transform Chaos to Calm. Wow. I sure needed this. You can read my review here.
Love your post in my inbox today! Great reminder and I smiled a bit since we have had weather temp changes like a roller coaster over the past few weeks. An unusual stretch of sunny low-humidity days in the mid-70’s and higher followed by a weekend of rain, sleet, and temps plummeting to freezing.
Hi Pam! Yes, I imagine you understand the spring weather roller-coaster! Loved seeing your smile here!
Hi Lynn, your devotional challenged me this morning.,especially 2Timothy 4:2 to have an answer in all seasons.
I love your pictures!
See you soon to be daughter in law !!❤️🙏
Thanks for your comment and reading, Pat. I, too, am challenged by 2 Timothy 4:2 that teaches that even when it feels inconvenient, we’re to serve. That isn’t always easy!
It’s great to see you here again, Lynn! I don’t see you as crazy. 🙂 Just well-prepared and spontaneous! Fixing my hope on His marvelous grace with you! Love and blessings to you!
P.S. Are you getting married? Pat called you a soon to be daughter-in-law. 🙂 Blessings!
Hi Trudy! Yes, I do like to be prepared. I get teased about my crate in the back of my car filled with items I haven’t had to touch for at least a year…but it’s there if I need it one day! 🙂 Thanks for recognizing my spontaneity as I feel my “preparations” help me be that way, too! Yes, I’m getting married on May 13th, and that includes moving to a new town. It will be a slow move, but hope to be settled by August. Lot’s of transitions! Have a wonderful weekend! hugs back to you!
Beautiful post, Lynn! It’s always nice to hear from you. I can’t believe the snow! Now I can’t complain about our up and down weather. I love your preparedness and spontaneity!❤️
Jill, we couldn’t believe the snow either, even though every year we get a spring storm. Somehow we still find them surprising! Alway wonderful to see your words and smile here! Have a blessed weekend!
That’s how we pack here. My husband carries four different jackets in the car, just in case.
Hi Diane! I imagine your husband would lend you one of his four jackets, too! 🙂
Lynn, I had to grin at you talking about experiencing all four seasons in one day. We have the same thing here. Our saying is: “Don’t like the weather? Wait five minutes.” 🙂
I love your thoughts here about how to be ready at any time to share about Jesus and His hope with the people God brings across my path. This is not one of my strengths. But it’s something I feel He’s prompting me to become more intentional about. Thanks for your encouragement here, friend!
Hi Jeanne, Sharing God’s hope is not one of my strengths either. I can say words of hope but shy away from saying God’s names, unless with other believers. I think asking for God’s wisdom when we want to speak of Him is the key! I’ll be intentionally remembering to do this today. Blessings to you!
The weather has been crazy here this past month. I turn on the heat in the morning, but the air conditioning by late afternoon. I love your analogy to always be prepared. We never know what opportunities will arise in a day!
Hi Lisa! I have a sister in southern Ontario that is experiencing the same kind of weather you are! But she refuses to put on the air-conditioning until May. Our “seasons” seem all over the place, but God’s plan prevails!
I needed to reads your words today. Being prepared is more than just having the right clothes ready for all kinds of weather. In God’s kingdom it looks like growing in confidence, in your trials, and in courage as you said. 1 Peter 1:13 really spoke to me. Thank you for your encouragement.
Thanks for your words here, Mary! Growing in confidence and courage for God’s purpose and to be prepared for all that is coming is an on-going learning, isn’t it? And hearing Him. I can stray in this noisey world, and thankful for those, like you, who turn me back to His words. Blessings to you!
Wonderful thoughts! I’m so encouraged today to think of the changing seasons in the exciting way that you shared here. Blessings to
Oops I hit enter too soon! Blessings to you in your busy season! 🙏♥️
Wonderful post. “Grow in courage because Jesus will carry us through everything.” He carries us through every season and as we keep this in mind, we will be prepared to share in every season. Thanks for this reminder, Lynn!
thanks for the nudge for readiness, for being prepared, yet going with the flow. thinking of you as you transition, right and left, friend. we’re cheering you on from the sidelines and look forward to exploring life with you in the changes to come.
xo
OMG, look at the thickness of that snow! I’m sure by now it’s warmer.
Great advice here, Lynn. Yes, growth is important in transitioning and going with the change. I completely agree with that.
Your pictures are amazing, Lynn! It’s wisdom (not craziness) to walk in preparedness!