Seasons Come and Seasons Go

After years of playing in forts, climbing hay stacks, and wading in the creeks, Spider watched his buddies go off to college one by one. Ever the guard of the farm yard, he became a little slower at chasing away those wiley coyotes who came sneaking up to raid the chicken house. We noticed a lump on his chest and made a visit to the vet's office. Dr. Black suspected cancer, and we all agreed that at his age the most important thing was to just keep him comfortable. We left the vet's office with tears in our eyes and a prescription in hand.

For nearly two years, those daily pills helped Spider feel like himself, but then the day came when they just couldn't stay on top of it. Dr. Black gave us something else to help keep him comfortable, but even that wasn't enough. So, on December 23rd, two years ago today, I called Dr. Black to come out to help Spider over the rainbow bridge.

In the days following, we were all pretty lost in sorrow. But, slowly I started to remember the good times, the happy memories of so many wonderful years spent together. It took a while, but finally it came to me...this is a season - just like the months in a year - life goes in seasons. It has been a hard lesson for me to learn, but I'm seeing it's application again and again...a betrayal by a friend (it's just a season)...a tough financial strain (another season)...a family or health crisis (try to stay in focus; it's just a season.) A tough time or a bad decision doesn't define your life - it's a season, a lesson, something that must be experienced, but not something that has to destroy us. While this may come naturally to many, it's a lesson that I seem to keep forgetting!

We are in the midst of the Holiday Season now. The story of the Nativity is really a story of hope and second chances. God Himself gifting all of mankind with the hope of eternal life! Although we had all failed to meet the mark of perfection, He wasn't mad at us. He didn't give up on us. In our season of sin and hopelessness, He sent Jesus. "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:14) Merry Christmas from our family to yours!