Seasons of Life

Well, the San Antonio Spurs season came to an end way too soon. Towards the last game, I was just ready for the season to end. Please, just stop the pain. This season has been brutally tough. Injuries galore. The Kawhi saga. More injuries. Finally, the loss of Coach Pop’s wife, Erin, was the culminating sadness to hit our team.

The San Antonio Spurs have had so many years of winning that I’m not sure we know how to respond in this new season of challenge and adversity. It’s almost as if we’ve been spoiled to think that winning is all we know. But, unfortunately, it’s not.

I’ve been thinking about the seasons of life. There can be great seasons of life that include raising children, getting married, graduating from high school or college, getting a new job, getting a promotion or becoming a parent or grandparent. We can’t imagine life being better!

The interesting thing about seasons is that they can change just like the weather. Those good seasons aren’t always forever. There are tough seasons. Accidents. Physical challenges. Loss of a loved one. Relationship challenges. Loneliness. Heartache. Waiting. For myself, it’s in these tough seasons that I wonder….will I ever see my way out of this?

When tough seasons show up, we can stress out, be anxious or just try to tough it out. But God has something else in mind. God delights in giving us joy, peace and hope as we put our trust in Him. Throughout the Bible we see countless stories of men and women putting their trust in God through some very difficult circumstances. These Biblical stories inspire me to do the same.

Honestly, we don’t have to be consumed by our tough seasons. God can pour out His tender mercies and grace as we partner with Him. No matter what season of life you find yourself in today, there is a God who loves you and longs to walk with you each day, every day.

“Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is His faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

“May the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.