“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven…” (Eccl. 3:1, NKJV).
Today I saw a picture of a sweet baby girl looking adoringly into her daddy’s eyes. Her pudgy, dimpled little hands reached up and touched his face. I smiled tenderly.
Once again, Holy Spirit piped up. He likes to give me a running commentary about things I see and hear throughout my day. He pointed out, “Those are the riches I built into this phase of that young man’s life.”
God has built riches into each season of our lives. Children enjoy the awe of learning about the world around them and all that is beautiful and good in it. Teenagers receive the gift of beginning to explore the fabric of their personal makeup. What exhilaration goes into each exploit, each phase of self-discovery as they uncover the innate gifts and talents woven into who they are!
College students enter a brand new stage, tasting the euphoria of independence while delving into promising new areas of study. The world is at their fingertips as they gaze in wonder at the plethora of possibilities that lie before them.
Young love brings its own brand of elation. Newlywed bliss and then having babies each carry spellbinding thrills that will never again be repeated further down the road of life. Career achievements and accolades eventually quiet down into the tranquil joy of the golden years.
In every season, God has packed in His goodness. The question remains, will we have eyes to see His provision for today? Regrettably, we humans spend a disproportionate amount of our time and energy either looking backwards or forwards. What riches we miss out on, in doing so!
Meditate on some advice from one of the wisest men who ever lived: “So go ahead. Eat your food with joy… with a happy heart, for God approves of this! Wear fine clothes, with a splash of cologne! Live happily with the woman you love…” (Eccl. 9:7-9, NLT)
Today, let’s ask the Father for the grace to drink in the present moment.
Daddy God, please open my eyes to see Your goodness manifest in my current season. Show me what gifts You have provided for me right now that I have not yet been perceiving. Grant me a grateful heart that relishes every manifestation of Your kindness. Empower me to savor both the extravagant joys and the soft, subtle delights!
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What are some of the best joys about the season of life you are in right now?
Feeding On Jesus 
Wonderful thoughts, Jennifer (Don’t you love the Holy Spirit’s “running commentary”? 😊)
One of the joys of being a parent is to experience these seasons a second time (and third, when you’re a grandparent) vicariously. Of course, that also goes with all the struggles you went through that you now see THEM going through, but you can give them advice they won’t take (😏) and assure them they’ll probably survive…
I just got back from Florida, where the church I go to is full of people in their “golden years,” whose lives are anything but tranquil! They’re serving God passionately, going on mission trips, rescuing victims of human trafficking, and sharing their adventures with one another in Bible studies and fellowships – now that they’re retired empty-nesters with the time to do those things. As for me, they let me play on the worship team, speak to a gathering of younger women, and lead a study of one of my books. I finally have time (sort of) to write about what the Lord has done in my life, but He’s still doing things, so I suspect I won’t run out of stories any time soon. 😉
Stay blessed, and keep listening to those commentaries. 👍
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I SO enjoyed this wonderful comment, Annie! Love, love, love hearing about such precious brothers and sisters in your Florida church. Your comment on parenting made me chuckle too. And YES I LOVE His running commentary with all my heart!!
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Again, thank you.
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You are most welcome! 🙂
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Awesome post.. really enjoyed reading this.
After being in a dry season for quite some time, one day I decided to open our bedroom curtains wide and opened the sliding door too… we’ve been in our house for quite some time & I never bothered with that.
Anyway, the view is amazing and it brings a different atmosphere to the room and to my mood every time I just look at the hills and greenery of the trees and hill. When it’s raining it’s so misty but still as beautiful. (Holy Spirit communicates that in all seasons, it still maintains it’s beauty).
Looking at it, it’s like God is speaking to me through His creation. I get so quiet & very humbled all the time. It seems so personal to me now.
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Wow. I’m in quiet awe, reading about this gift that He has given you. I understand with my heart that it’s exceedingly precious, and I rejoice with you for this wonderful expression of His goodness and love to you! (Late response on my part because things have been nonstop here). Thank you so much for sharing this. The richest of blessings to you!
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No worries. Better late than never. Your post was great! Stay blessed.
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So grateful. You too my friend!
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I love thunderstorms! Being safe inside and seeing the flashes outside, feeling the rumble, and the lower light that comes along with that. I am also really enjoying playing ultimate (frisbee) with a team if good people as we train for the world club champs next month. 🥏
Thank you for sharing this. ❤️
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Both of those descriptions brought joy to my spirit! Good gifts from the Father of heavenly lights who does not change like shifting shadows 🙂
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Reading your description of both of those blessings brought joy to my spirit. Good gifts from the Father of heavenly lights who does not change like shifting shadows!
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