Walled in by green on every side, the sheer abundance of vibrant life took my breath away. Maybe it’s living in harmony with the surrounding farmlands, or maybe it’s the incredible aliveness of this season. But summer’s secret to a happy life was never more vivid.
Every season invites us deeper into the treasures of Creator God, gifts which refresh, restore and re-acquaint us with His unfailing love.
Studded with crops of every kind, neighboring farmlands fill my eyes with promise of future blessings. The sheer beauty of the countryside enthralls and delights my work commute, though on this day one color captured my mind and heart: Green.
At the close of a recent writer’s retreat, a beautiful young woman shared a poem at the open mic performance session, written after her coming to faith not long before.
Entitled “Green”, it poignantly spoke of the color green present all around her, symbolic of new life, and new perspectives on life.
Surveying the lush crops before me, the words of her poem echoed in my mind.
Unlike spring, summer showcases elaborate growth whether in home flower and vegetable gardens, lush trees and shrubs, or the expanse of farmlands.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
Marveling, I thought about how spring demonstrates awakening to new life. How enjoyable to watch the earth birth baby growth after the long winter months of barrenness. How as believers, we all emerged in a similar way to new life.
But then comes summer, a season of growth and maturity, a season of vibrant life.
Bursting with every color of the rainbow, the earth explodes with fields of lush greens or golden grains, Plants and trees ornate with brilliantly colored fruits and vegetables. Testifying to the abundant favor of a generous Creator.
Overcome with summer’s splendor, I wondered at the lesson so clear, yet never quite grasped.
Come to teach us each year of God’s ways, the seasons speak in their turn of the cycle of our lives. We are born, we live, we die. We are reborn, renewed, re-storied.
But as the seasons return each year, so our birth, life, and death cycles repeat. Yes, physically we are only born, live and die once, but our spiritual lives are eternal.
Experiencing rebirth, awakening many times as we move in and out of varying situations and stages, we likewise encounter seasons of growth, seasons of death or letting go, and seasons of quiet stillness and waiting.
Like summer, something is always coming alive in us, always growing, maturing. Taking in the vibrant abundance of summer growth, I feel courage come alive within me, beckoning me into blooming more into my true self.
At the center of all, rests the reminder of the reason Christ came: to give us life more abundantly.
Perhaps summer’s secret to a happy life consists of the vivid illustration of what living truly alive in Christ’s abundant life can mean. And maybe summer came to teach me the transformative power of living as my truest self with Christ and others.
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Re-storied, I like that and how very true that is when we are re-born and renewed. I’m going to have to remember that. Your words spoke to my heart today. I love being renewed every summer I am so awed of God and my surroundings. I intentionally take notice and observe.
Visiting today from Joanne’s
Paula, thank you for taking the time to read my post. I am really blessed by summer’s work this year, and God is meeting me often in this season!
This is so beautiful and calming to my soul, Donna. Thank you. I love how all the “green” testifies to the favor of our Creator God. Love and blessings to you!
Thank you, Trudy, I endeavor to create a calm space for my readers to commune with the beauty of God! I so enjoyed that young lady’s poem and drawing my attention to the color “green” and have been blessed ever since!
No matter how many seasons we have lived through, it is amazing how every season brings new lessons, new life, and growth. I am so grateful for the gift of each season.
Thank you, Joanne for reading! Yes, I agree no matter how many times we pass through each season, we learn more and more about God and His faithfulness.