Following the Seasons

Sep 20

Many of us see September as the real start of the “new year”, more so than January. With the return of children to school, and with the slow transformation of the leaves to gold, we tend to set unspoken “resolutions” for change, anticipating this next school year with all the joys and challenges it will bring. I’ve been busy shifting summer clothes to the back of my closet, moving cozy sweaters to the fore, and I have a recent craving for hearty stews and soups over salads. Fall is definitely in the air. There can be a sense of comfort in that, but also anxiety.  

With this change in the seasons, I’m reminded of the message of “rhythm” in Ecclesiastes 3… that our lives have seasons, or “times”, too. I would encourage you to read through Ecclesiastes 3 again, slowly, asking God to show you the “time” that you are in, whether it is a time of planting a new idea or uprooting it; searching for something that was lost, or ceasing your search; mending what has been broken, or tearing apart; embracing, grieving, or laughing. Highlight the words that speak to you and invite God into your season of growth.

Often counselling is about coming alongside people in the rhythm of their lives, helping them to embrace their seasons with courage or patience. Our kids can feel unease with this shift to a new grade or new peer group, and with the change can come anxiety and even feelings of loss. Others run to the challenge, eager to leave what was behind.

If your child is struggling with transitioning into this new season of life, please feel free to contact me for counselling. I would be honored to walk with your child through his or her adjustment, providing care and help as God enables me. Please email at me, Marcia Hogg, at Marcia.hogg@pallisersd.ab.ca, or call me at 403-771-4365 to set up an appointment. I would love to talk with you! 

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

For everything there is a season,
      a time for every activity under heaven.

 A time to be born and a time to die
      A time to plant and a time to harvest

A time to kill and a time to heal
      A time to tear down and a time to build up

A time to cry and a time to laugh
      A time to grieve and a time to dance

A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones
      A time to embrace and a time to turn away

A time to search and a time to quit searching
      A time to keep and a time to throw away

 A time to tear and a time to mend
      A time to be quiet and a time to speak

A time to love and a time to hate
      A time for war and a time for peace