As I write this post, I am sitting on my deck, watching the final leaves fall from some of the trees. It is a reminder that soon, this season that I have waited so long for, will come to an end. The trees will be bare, the frost will last longer into the day, and the birds chirping will cease as they migrate south. The end of the autumn season.
The picture reminds me of seasons in my life that came to an end; times in my life that were not necessarily met with excitement for the next season but filled with sorrow of what was being left behind. Those seasons ended with a hole in my heart, tears in my eyes, or grief in my soul.
· Perhaps it was a season of friendship that ended. Different interests or locations found you drifting apart.
· Maybe the season was one filled with a relationship or marriage that ended. The love that was once there ended.
· A job that ended, voluntarily or not, could fill us with sadness. The value that you brought to an organization has dissipated.
· Lastly, maybe a friend or family member is in heaven’s home, leaving an end that can be difficult to deal with.
Friends, there are many reasons when a season in life ends, and our hearts are heavy. It may be difficult to believe but there is beauty to the end. God’s plan moves us from the end of one season to a beginning of another. It is hard to understand why God would let sadness come to us when seasons end. How many times I have asked God, “why” when a season in my life ends! His plan, though, is always one that brings joy. I deeply miss my parents and didn’t see that the end of their season here on earth was one of joy. Yet, when I view it through THEIR eyes, they are filled with joy as they are with Jesus. It’s not always about ME – the joy can be for them. I would always want them to be happy and knowing they are in paradise does fill me with joy. We may not always see the joy in the end of a season, but God does and He will provide that joy for us. Simple faith is all we need!
Video that complements this post: Beauty in the End
Dearest God, it is hard to understand the beauty when a season ends in our lives. May you strengthen our faith to know that there is joy to come, that all tears will be wiped away! Amen.