Recognize The Seasons

Seasons are a time of change and growth.   Most people think seasons only apply to the 4 found in nature.  However, seasons apply to individuals, as well. The Bible tells us there is a season for everything.  A time to be born, a time to die, a time to plant, and a time to pluck what has been planted (among a host of others).   As you embark on a journey of growth and evolution, you will experience many of these seasons.  

It’s important to recognize the distinct seasons we’re in, because while we experience more than 4 seasons as individuals, I think our growth process parallels that of nature.   Consider agriculture for a moment. Certain seasons affect the growth of certain produce in different ways. When the climate changes, something occurs in the ground that makes soil more suitable for one thing to grow, as opposed to another.  It’s why, for example, farmers plant squash the end of spring to reap a harvest in the fall, and cabbage in the summer to reap a harvest in winter. Different produce grows differently, and more conducively, in different and more favorable climates.  

I believe our growth is the same.  Different seasons produce different expressions and outcomes in us.   But where we differ from simple vegetation, being complex beings created in God’s Image- with thoughts, emotions, motivations, desires, and free will- is that our growth process isn’t as effortless.   We don’t grow without fail (or without error) with no effort, or intention on our part. We have to contribute to our growth and evolution, particularly our mental and spiritual growth. Personally, I think that’s the cost of free will.  If we aren’t aware, and paying attention, we won’t realize that we’re approaching a summer season and should be tilling our soil to plant cabbage. As a result, our expressions and outcomes are like a pumpkin that’s been planted in the fall and come up in the spring.   

I’ve come to realize that if we want to have optimal growth in any area of our life, we need to be aware of the seasons we’re in, and plant and cultivate accordingly.   We have to know where we are, what we have, and what we need. When it comes to accomplishing goals, I’ve come to see that a sure fire way to reap no harvest is to plant, or work out of season.  It’s the fastest and easiest way to burn out, get discouraged, or even give into destructive behavior.  I realized this when I moved to New York.  

I found myself being driven by an impulse to work and get things done, but I wasn’t clear on exactly what needed to be done.  I was doing this and doing that, but it wasn’t adding up to anything. I was going from A to M to X to G.  I was basically running on a hamster wheel, going nowhere fast!   After a while I found myself mentally and emotionally exhausted. Finally, I recognized the missing piece- I wasn’t checking in with myself.  I wasn’t slowing down and taking time to check in with where I was, how I was adjusting to the new change, and what that meant in terms of my goals.  I knew I needed to, but I wasn’t slowing down and taking time to reflect on what season of growth I was in. That caused me to produce little to no fruit (that I wanted at least), and find myself disappointed in times of expected harvest.

Now I see how important it is to recognize the seasons.   And recognize them more quickly. So I can cultivate my soil and plant the right seeds to produce the right harvest for the season that’s coming.  For me this means making more time to reflect and journal. Getting in touch with how I’m feeling and perceiving the world around me, and what that means in terms of my goals and the things  I want to do in life. Now that I’m actively taking heed to this, I’m expecting a bountiful harvest come 2020. Because I’m aware of my current season, the season ahead, and I’m tilling my soil accordingly!

Until Next Time, Beauties!

Till Accordingly! 😉

xoxo,

LM