A Prayer to Enjoy Each Season
By Laura Bailey
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:” - Ecclesiastes 3:1
School’s out for the Summer!
This little phrase brings many emotions as a mom of three small children. At the end of May, my hopes are high, and my energy level spiked in excitement for lazy mornings, afternoons with friends by the pool, and time to be with my rapidly maturing kids. But, after a few weeks, when the newness, lack of routine, boredom, familiarity, and discord descend on my little ones, I can’t help but ask, “Is it time to go back to school?” Maybe you don’t have small children at home, but can you relate to one of these scenarios?
- You finally get the opportunity to take your dream vacation, but when there’s discord with your travel partners, you long to get the trip over and go home.
- You and your spouse have been scrimping and saving and decided to renovate your house, but at the first sign of tension, you just want to throw in the towel and be done.
- Your little one is graduating and headed off to school; you’ve been waiting for this day but are paralyzed by worry. You wish they would abandon their plan and stay home with you; where’s it safe?
Why do we struggle to embrace our current season, wrestling with change at the slightest hint of opposition? Why do we allow what-ifs to keep us from enjoying our present season of life?
King Solomon was busy; he built grand structures, governed people, and tended to his large brood of wives. He was a man who knew how to check off a task list, and yet, he penned the words of Ecclesiastes as a reflection and reminder to embrace each season of life.
Why must we be reminded to enjoy our present circumstances? Because we are short-sighted people! Time is short, and even though we are not promised tomorrow, we become so consumed with future situations that we forget to embrace today's blessings and gifts.
Countless times I’ve been offered this advice, “The days are long and the years are short,” meant to encourage me to embrace each day of motherhood. However, I think we could easily apply this to our entire lives. Our trivial, mundane days creep along, but when the clock strikes midnight, and the calendar turns to another year, we are mystified by where our time went. Whatever season you are in today, I encourage you not to wish the time away. For many of us, each season contains intense stress, grief, or all-consuming caregiving duties, often paired with moments of joy and contentment. Whatever your situation, know that things will eventually change. Our sovereign God has a purpose and appointed time for every activity under heaven.
Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father, just like we are often refreshed by the physical changing of the seasons, we are so grateful for the changing seasons of life. We pray that we do not just embrace our current season but find joy and contentment in it, knowing in Your divine providence, You have placed us right where we need to be.
Help us, Lord, be grateful, and see each day as a blessing and an opportunity to serve You. For those in a season of hurt, despair, or trials, we pray for comfort, strength, and peace that only You can give. Lord, we ask that we see people and circumstances as You do, an opportunity to show Christ’s love and share the Gospel message.
Our time on this earth is so short—a vapor, our lives a dot in the pages of history. Guide us as we embrace this reality and live each day with eternity in mind. We love You, Lord; You are greater than the highest highs and lowest lows. You are with us in the valleys and the mountaintops; You never leave or forsake us. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/pixdeluxe
Laura Bailey is an author and Bible teacher who encourages women to understand what they believe, why it matters, and how to apply biblical truths to their lives. Her recent book, Embracing Eternity in the Here and Now, explores how the timeless truths of Ecclesiastes help us live more peaceful, purposeful, and plentiful lives today.
She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com
Editor's Note: We're proud to announce we've just launched a new nighttime companion to Your Daily Prayer: the Your Nightly Prayer devotional. You'll soon be able to subscribe to receive Your Nightly Prayer via email, or as a podcast, but for now you can find it on the website at crosswalk.com/devotionals/your-nightly-prayer. We hope it's a relaxing and soothing way to wind down your day with rich meditations on who God is.
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