For everything there is a season, A time for every activity under heaven.
— Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
The writer of Ecclesiastes talks about how in life, we experience many different seasons and experiences. Some aspects of each seasons we can control, others we cannot. Things can change rapidly and sometimes, what seems to be at the worse time. Even as I write this, the Wi-Fi for our school has temporarily cut out, causing us to adapt and change to the situation in front of us. I can’t change the fact the Wi-Fi isn’t working, but I can control how we, as a class, respond to what’s in front of us.
As I reflect on Term 2 for me personally, I look and see many circumstances that occurred that were out of my control. In my household, it has been a term of busyness and sickness and in one instance, leaving my wife in hospital and bed bound for a week. Thankfully, she’s on her feet now and finding her way back to full health.
In that situation, where she was admitted to hospital, my life instantly changed. One minute I went from co-parenting, to instantly holding the fort at home by myself. Little did I know how big a job this would be day in and day out. I wasn’t able to control the fact she was ill and in hospital, however, I was able to look after my kids and keep the ship moving.
How we deal with unprecedented change and tricky seasons will determine what we get out of them. When there is change, stress can be can a natural biproduct of transition. In these stressful times, we become vulnerable to our habits and core values. It would be fantastic to have a guide and a map to help us through these challenging seasons.
Well, the Bible has some fantastic advice in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Staying positive can be hard at times, but from my experience, going through seasons where you do maintain positivity makes for a better trip ahead!
Secondly, always be in prayer. God knows everything we are going through, even before it happens. We can rely on Him to help us overcome the challenges of the season we are going through.
Lastly, be grateful. This can be incredibly hard at times, but just focus on something small if that be the case, for example: the clothes on your back or food in your fridge. It doesn’t have to be big!
I can say, having come out the other end of a busy term and applying these things, I once again know that God is a God who can be trusted and relied on in all seasons and circumstances. Through this season, I’m able to see personal growth, gratitude for my wife and family, and, most importantly, the need for God in challenging times.
As the term ends and holidays draw near, a fantastic season arises to rejuvenate, restore, and most importantly, spend it with your family.
As a concluding comment, if you do find yourself in a challenging season, you may think it’s relentless and there’s no light at the end of the tunnel. You may feel helpless. I want to remind you that as seasons come, they also go. Through these challenging times we are able to grow and shape who we are as a person. After every storm, there’s always a rainbow. Don’t give up. Have hope.
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
— James 1:12
Francis Pascal — Primary Co-Ordinator