Abundance In The Bush - Country DevotionsSample

Seasons

The seasons dictate work in the bush. Summer is the season for dipping cattle, when ticks and buffalo fly are active. (In winter, ticks are non-parasitic and ticks and buffalo fly lay dormant). Summer is also the time to spray noxious weeds and slash paddocks. Winter months are filled with yard and fence building and maintenance. Late winter/early spring is the time to burn off unproductive grassland. All year round jobs include repairing broken fences, farrier work, worming horses, oiling leather gear, maintaining machinery and equipment.

Apart from Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring, we have other seasons in our lives. Seasons where we might be studying, changing jobs, changing addresses, raising a family, travelling, retiring. Like watching time lapse photography, some seasons zip by - usually the ones we enjoy! Others seem to drag forever. In the midst of change, remember that there is life after the season you are in now. Life after children. Life after that big ‘0’ birthday. Life after you shut the gate for the last time. Life after a setback, no matter how large. You can’t stop changes happening any more than you can stop the earth’s natural cycles. It’s better to prepare yourself for them, rather than dig your heels in against the changes to come. Getting stuck in a season that has done its time, or trying to recreate it, can multiply grief for yourself and others.

These words can’t hold you, but the Holy Spirit will. He is your Comforter, Counselor and constant companion through every season of your life. With Him, you have everything you need to adjust.

If you are in a good season, be especially thankful for it. Savour every moment. When it is time to walk away and walk on, spend a moment with God. Thank Him, then offer the special time back to Him so it doesn’t turn sour in your heart. Once you are able to release the old, you will discover hope in the new.

Thank You Holy Spirit that You are with me through every season of my life. Help me to move with the seasons, not fight against them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.