“Every moment of every day, the most significant happening in the entire universe is the radical availability of God’s presence.”
- A.J. Sherrill
When my husband hit retirement season in January, we bought a tandem kayak. Then we waited. Although it was retirement season, it wasn’t kayaking season. (As much as we wanted it to be.) And even now that we are consistently experiencing highs in the 80s, a few other things have kept that kayak in the garage. Seasons are tricky, and we don’t really control much of that shift at all.
The good seasons slip away too fast, and the hard ones seem to last too long.
Wise Solomon wrote the most well-known Bible verse about seasons: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV). This verse reminds us that life moves in seasons, ordained by God for growth, change, and purpose.
Even though my selfish side wanted it in early spring, I was pretty sure God wouldn’t miraculously fast-forward to summer upon my whim. Because—among other things—the season affects more than just me. Farmers and shop owners plan on the seasons remaining in rhythm. Others need more time with declining parents or time to find Jesus, and it would be cruel to let that time condense for my recreational desires.
Right now, I am navigating a season of speaking and travelling. I am waist-deep in prep for a ladies’ retreat. (Bonus: grandchildren in the same state!) But I remember a season just last year, after suffering a massive stroke, wondering if I’d ever speak to my own family again, let alone a room full of women.
But God had plans. He built in a slow season of rehabilitation for my benefit. And the thing is, even if I were still unable to speak or write today, God would still be good, and He would still have good plans, even if the timing seemed off to me. He would still be with me.
Let’s be encouraged that God is with us in any season, even when He’s hard to see. Or when the pace is not to our liking!
Lori - just wanted to say how much I've been enjoying Divine Detour. To the extent that I have now bought 5 copies in all. One for me and four for friends. Day 16 particularly set me off (so far). My wife died in December so several of your messages are poignant.