The Beauty of Seasons

Lake Lily
in Rocky Mountain National Park

I just returned from a week spent in Estes Park, Colorado. Such beautiful scenery. Towering mountains, rushing mountain streams, clear lakes, interesting wildlife, clear blue skies, crisp mountain air, plus the opportunity to just be – relaxing, resting and enjoying time with family.

It is true that the Colorado Rocky Mountains are spectacular and breathtaking. But as we returned to Iowa via Interstate 80 and then a state highway meandering through the countryside, I was reminded once again of the beauty that is Iowa.

My travels have not by any means included the whole Earth, but I have been to many states as well as several countries, and no place I have visited, here or abroad, compares to Iowa when it comes to different shades of green. From early spring to the beginning of winter, when Iowa is whitened by snow, Iowa boasts more green than anywhere I have seen. (And yes, I have seen Ireland – the Emerald Isle.)

Green is the color of life – growing, vibrant and flourishing. And Iowa’s countryside in late summer fairly screams “life” with its terraced corn fields rustling in the breeze awaiting harvest, fields of soybeans not yet yellowed, wildflowers with their colorful crowns dancing in ditches, and trees of different sizes and shapes all showing off their green, which soon will be changing to the gorgeous yellows, reds and browns that fall will bring.

The trip home from Colorado reminded me that summer is nearly over – technically it is little more than a week until fall officially begins. Each season brings its own beauty, just as the seasons of our life each have a special beauty of their own.

For some people, aging is something they actually regret, even though we all know that slowing the clock is not really possible. But, for me, aging is just part of my journey. And I want to enjoy each season for the beauty that it brings. I love being a grandma, spending time with my grands. I also enjoy sharing my experience and faith with younger women – opportunities I could not have as a younger woman.

I also love having time to spend with others in teaching, mentoring and just enjoying. Time is a gift we receive in retirement – time to do things we could not do when we were employed. But don't rush through your life to reach retirement -- enjoy the season you are in right now. Each one for its own special beauty and opportunities.

Scripture tells us “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven …” (Ecclesiastes 3:1), and it also says, “He hath made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

Whatever season of life you are in, you can enjoy who you are and where God has placed you. I am certainly not saying that life is always easy. It is not. I have had my share of hurts in this life, but I choose to believe that in this season of my life, I am here for a purpose and my job is to believe that God has made everything beautiful in its time. So even in the rough spots, I make the choice to embrace where and who I am in this season, trusting that God is making something beautiful from whatever my circumstances.