Seasons in the Son

"We had joy we had fun, we had seasons in the sun;
But the hills that we climbed, were just seasons out of time."

As I write you this blog, my heart is heavy. Just bid farewell to a dear friend whose going away to study. We first met on the 30th of August, 2007 and today, 30th of August, 2009 as we bade farewell to each other, the calender marks two most memorable years.

A few years back, I was a very lonely person. I had friends and even close friends, but I never really felt as though I could trust them with everything. There was a point in my life where I prayed and asked God to send me at least one true, honest, understanding, sincere... friend who would accept me for me and also one who would build me up as a person. Until this point, Jesus was my best friend. I used to share everything with Him. Used to laugh with Him, cry in front of Him, tell Him how hurt I felt when I felt rejected and alone. He never failed me, not even once. He always put His arms around me and just held me till I felt better.
At one such time, I told God... "I thank You that You are more than a friend to me. No matter what happens, no one can ever replace You. But if its ok with You, I want to know how it feels like to have a human, as a friend whom I can trust entirely. Somebody who can understand me and help me to discover me better. But please do this, only if it's ok with You. They will not replace You in my life. Amen."

At this very moment, God has brought 4 individuals into my life, all unique in their own way, but divinely selected by God for me, with whom I can share everything of my life and who will accept me for me. Let me be a little more specific... 2 guys and 2 gals. And I hope they know that I am referring to them.

I strongly believe that as we have nature's seasons... summer, winter, rain, spring and autumn; we also have spiritual seasons in our lives. There are seasons of plenty, we have so much for ourselves that we just can sit back and enjoy. Times of happiness, great rejoicing. Points when we feel loved and cared for. And then on the contrary, there are those dreadful times of sorrow, pain, rejection, helplessness. Seasons of loneliness, shame... and the list goes on.
I'm quickly reminded of the story of Joseph in the Bible. Joseph faced moments of love and affection and large durations of betrayal, shame, rejection and loneliness. But He never let go of God's hand. He perceived till the situations around Him changed. From being abandoned by his own family, sold to be a slave in Egypt, falsely accused and thrown into prison, betrayed by friends who promised to get him out of prison to finally become the Prime Minister of Egypt. When Egypt faced famine, Joseph the Prime Minister had already got all the food grains and other essentials stored up to survive the famine. He understood the value the good seasons in his life. He stored up all the hope, love, joy, faith, etc so that when the tough seasons came, he could rely on his stored up stocks to see the famine through.

As I witness this tough season of bidding farewell to a dear friend, I want to encourage you. No matter what you are facing in your life... it could be pain, anxiety, separation, loneliness, weakness, lack, poverty, rejection, etc; remember your God. Remember His faithfulness. Remember your former victories, stir up hope to see through your rough season. And when you get to the other side... store up and value the good season. I choose to remember the fond memories God allowed me to enjoy with my friends and will always remind myself that my 'Seasons are in the Son of God, Jesus' who will see me through my storms.

As I wrap this post, I just want to share some lyrics of a song that has came alive to me today...
"Packing up the dreams God planted, In the fertile soil of you;
Cant believe the hopes He's granted, Means a chapter in your life is through;
But we'll keep you close as always, It wont even seem you've gone;
Cause our hearts in big and small ways, Will keep the love that keeps us strong

And friends are friends forever, If the Lord's the lord of them;
...Though its hard to let you go, In the Fathers hands we know;
That a lifetimes not too long to live as friends." (Click to listen)

The Lord is the lord over all my friendships and I thank my fabulous four for all their love, patience, time and effort. You are a blessing.

Find rest my soul, in Christ alone;
Know His power, in quietness and trust.

" If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste poverty, prosperity would not be so welcome. " (Anne Bradstreet)