Seasons

Life to me feels like an ever revolving cycle of seasons. I remember times as a child when my Grandma was ill that I would hope and pray that the feeling of sadness and darkness would pass us by and that she would be healed. I remember that everyone around me seemed to have no worries, their lives were filled with happiness and light, and how I wished that for my family. I was in fourth grade when Grandma was ill and I vividly remember the heaviness that surrounded my life.

I didn't understand suffering and pain then, and I still don't... but I know these seasons and times in our lives come and go.

Personally, I am in a season of joy, anticipation, thankfulness....but I look around me and am observing so much pain, suffering, and loss to so many very dear to me.

Maybe God brings the rain so we can really recognize and appreciate the light and blessings in our life. Maybe it exists so that we will turn to Him, the only shelter we can seek, in an unfair and troublesome world. Honestly, I don't know....I'm rambling, my words seem few and so irrelevant in a time filled with great hurt and loss.

This past week, one of my childhood friends and sorority sisters, Lindsay Lewis, was taken way too soon. She passed after a brief but serious illness. She leaves behind two very young boys, her loving husband, Gabe, and tons of family and friends that adored her.
As you can see she was a beauty, but more than that she was a gentle, caring soul that brought happiness to those around her. I have not seen Lindsay much lately as our busy lives have taken over, but from our years as friends I know she was so loved and loved many in return. This tragic loss has left me questioning everything, wondering why someone so young with a full life ahead of them would be taken so quickly. The funeral today was heart wrenching, but powerful in that it made me recognize the gentle grasp of this earth, and that we are to prepare for an eternity with our Creator. I no longer want to take life and the blessings in life for granted. I want to treasure every moment and day with the ones I love. I no longer want to put off or be too busy for quiet time and Bible study. I want to truly live, to live without anxiety over the seasons this life brings, and focus on the important people and things around me. We were never promised peace here on earth, but we are promised a peaceful, perfect eternity with a loving God. I am so thankful for that and I put my hope and faith in HIM.


This weekend, although I had a heavy heart, I was grateful to celebrate Justin's birthday with his side of the family.
Here's my little sunshine, and our newest bundle of joy Madelyn Grace.


Grammy with her babies!
Thank you Lord for the gifts of this earth and the promise of eternity.