My husband and I love hiking. We try to do it as often as we can. We were in the woods recently and he commented on how much he loves hiking in the winter when the leaves are off the trees. It is pretty cool. You can see the mountains all around and it seems like you’re just a tiny speck in a vast forest. As great as the winter hikes are, I prefer the fall. The trees are just so beautiful and when the leaves fall and scatter on the ground, it looks majestic. I love the yellow leaves on the trail. I always say we’re hiking the yellow brick road. The summer hikes are great too because it’s always cooler in the woods and it gets you out of the hot sun. Spring offers new blooming plants and animals starting to scurry around. It can be the exact trail you’ve hiked before and look completely different based on whatever season we’re in. 

Our lives are also subject to “seasons”. Life, itself, can turn on a dime. You can wake up one day, get bad news, and things immediately change. You thought, when you went to bed the night before, that tomorrow would be just another regular day. Now, because of this report, you’re calling folks for prayer. You’re trying to figure out what your part to play in this situation is. You’re making arrangements and altering agendas. Two days prior, you were just deciding on what to have for dinner. Now, everything has changed. You find yourself in a completely new season in life. You’re still the same, but things now look different. It gets a little scary when things seem completely out of control. The fact of the matter is, nothing is really in our control anyway. We fool ourselves into thinking that we, somehow, can control our little world. Nothing could be further from the truth. We can’t even be sure we’ll take our next breath! We did not create life. It does not belong to us. God gave us life as a gift and He intends us to use it for His glory. When we start to understand this fact, it completely changes our perspective on things. Because life is out of our control, we, to feel secure, have to trust The One who knows the future. He was there in the very beginning and He will be there when He decides to end time as we know it. “They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.” ‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭112‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Since we cannot control the seasons in our lives, it’s important to remember that it is just a season. If it’s a wonderful season, enjoy every minute of it. Be thankful for this time. If it’s a tough season, remember Who’s with you on the journey. Be thankful for His presence and remember that nothing can overcome Him. “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬) If Jesus is your shepherd, He will guide you and protect you all the way. You don’t have to figure everything out. He already knows! Trust Him! Some seasons in life are kind of mundane and predictable. Use this time to be in prayer for others and serve them in their time of need. This is how God wants His people to operate. 

Life has its ups and downs. It is not solid rock. Jesus IS the only completely solid source in this world. Sometimes you wake up, the birds are singing and the sun is shining. Some days, the forecast is calling for hurricane strength winds. It’s never about the destination. It’s always about Who is on the journey with you. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬) He will get you to the destination of His choice during any seasonal view.

Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.