Seasons of Life
By Elin Henderson
“For
if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and
not according to what he does not have.”
2
Corinthians 8:12 (NKJV)
Each of us well understands the
different seasons of life. It wasn’t long ago that I was chasing little ones
around 24/7. My day consisted of changing diapers, cleaning up toys and
dreaming of naptime! Now, my days are
full of carpooling, soccer practices, tennis lessons and youth group. It won’t
be long before a new season of “empty nest” comes my way. No doubt, everyone
out there is in one of these seasons or a similar one.
Here in 2
Corinthians 8:12-15, Paul is reminding the church that life is full of
seasons. Sometimes we have more “____” fill in the blank (time, energy,
finances, etc.) and sometimes we have less. God has given us the body of Christ
- - each other - - so that when one’s season means no ability to
leave the house during daylight hours without a small parade in tote, others are
free to do so. Or when one person has evenings totally tied up with going from
one youth event to another, others have their kids in bed and are free to
escape.
With each season comes a new set of
exciting challenges. Instead of being frustrated that you are doing too much or
not enough, let us embrace the “willing mind” that Paul speaks of above. Let’s
ask God what He has right now for each one of us as we do our part in this
current season of life. And, amazingly - - as we walk with Him and allow Him to
use us - - He makes up the difference.
GOING DEEPER
1. How can this help us be patient with
ourselves and with others in our day to day lives and ministries?
2. What resources do you see
God giving you in this season of your life? How can you use those to minister
and reach out to others?
FURTHER READING:
Oakwood’s
missionaries Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as
church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to thirteen-year-old Callie
and eleven-year-old Elias. They are currently in America on Home Assignment.
