For everything there is a season

I have always loved the idea of a season changing. Pulling out new clothes that have been stored (well, depending on where you live I suppose), gearing up for new foods and new smells (the best thing about fall is pumpkin everything, no?), and a clean slate for a fresh start in areas that might need a little attention. No one ever said you have to wait until January 1st to begin again.

As we turn the page from August to September today, I am reminded of the well quoted section of scripture in Ecclesiastes 3.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silent, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace. 
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from the beginning to the end. I know that there is nothing better for men that to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in ALL his toil - this is a gift of God. 

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Oh how these verses bring me joy and hope. God is basically telling us here that yes, we will all have trouble and sadness and heartbreak and war but He make all things new.  All things. Not just some of them or ones He deems worthy of renewal, but ALL of them. He takes that season of waiting and weeping and turns in into the biggest dance party we have ever seen. He takes that season of loneliness and questioning and turns it into community and security. He takes that season of pruning and plucking and turns it into an abundance of fruit. There is so much promise hidden inside Ecclesiastes 3.

So whatever season you find yourself in today, may I encourage you to find hope in His promises? Take heart because the season will indeed change. For every season you find yourself in there is the promise of a September 1. God is working so hard behind the scenes that we cannot remotely fathom the goodness in store. The trees won't remain barren forever. Leaves will come and colors will shine and joy will be found again. Thank you, Jesus, for making all things new.