October 6, 2006

Dear family and friends of WCPC:

Where is the fall?  I guess in Texas we bypass it altogether and move directly into the winter.  I’m sure the fall will come, but not soon enough for me.  Growing up all of my life on the east coast I’m more accustomed to four seasons.  I’m adjusting and don’t mind missing out on winter snows, but a little fall in the air would be nice right now.There are seasons to life.  The preacher in Ecclesiastes writes: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and  a time to dance, A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”  (Ecclesiastes 3: 1 – 8)

I’ve noticed as a pastor that individuals go through different seasons in the living of their life and faith.  There are joyous seasons.  Seasons of celebration.  But there are also other seasons all of us walk through.  Sometimes it’s a season of doubt.  We find ourselves questioning everything, particularly God’s love.  “Why does God allow such things to happen?”  Sometimes it’s a season of temptation.  We are pulled in directions that we know aren’t appropriate, but the pull at times is so strong.  At other times it’s a season of grieving.  We grieve the lost of a loved one or of an opportunity or of the past. 

I would suggest all are seasons of growth, spiritual growth.  First, we need to be honest about whatever it is we are going through.  Denial isn’t a great option.   So, first, admit the truth about where you are right now.  God won’t be surprised.  God already knows where you are right now. 

Second, be willing to share with someone else.  You may find that what you’re going through isn’t all that unusual.  Others have gone through it too.  Please know that Gene and I are always available to you and the more I get to know so many of you the more I’m aware of people who’ve gone through difficult seasons.  Many of them would be willing to share their experience with you, if invited.  Third, realize that most seasons pass.  What’s important is that while we’re walking through them we remember all we’re learned, so we are deepened and so others can be blessed by our experiences.

And fourth, God wants to use all the seasons of our lives to mold and shape us into disciples, followers of Jesus.  

Whatever season you’ve walking through right now will eventually end and another season will begin.  We may even live through some difficult seasons more than once.  When they come, or if they’ve arrived, don’t give into despair. Open yourself up to what God is doing.  Sometimes it’s easy to forget, particularly in the heat and humility of the summer (or in Texas in October), that cold breezes will blow again. 

See you on Sunday,

Your pastor,

David Jones