The Ecclesiastes author says, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV) What season are you in?

This is a picture taken on our favorite hiking trail. It’s in a place called Queeny Park. We are quite blessed that it is only a ten-minute drive from our house.

The trail changes with the seasons. I look forward to observing them all. The fall presents glowing colors. The winter presents a palpable stillness. With no leaves on the trees, you get to see the true vastness of the park – lots of space that opens up the soul. Spring brings flowering dogwoods and new fawns and their mothers coming out to graze. In summer the trees are full and provide much needed shade on a hot and humid St. Louis day.

We go through seasons too. Maybe you are in the season of raising children. You could be in the season of retirement when you are taking care of grandchildren. Maybe you are exploring a past or present calling now that you have more time to pursue it.

There a season for care-giving and having care given to you. There is a season of transition, of unemployment, of hard times and seasons of prosperity.

Life has its rhythm just like our bodies have a rhythm, a biological clock that regulates our physical, mental, and behavioral changes – quite miraculous as echoed by the Psalmist, “for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Seasons come and go. If we fight against the season we are in, we only cause ourselves unnecessary suffering. These saints have some good advice for weathering life’s seasons.

Some Saintly Advice on Seasons

While I attend a Presbyterian church, I am very much influenced by several Catholic saints, particularly Teresa of Avila and Julian of Norwich. A little side note on Julian. She lived during the bubonic plague pandemic and was isolated in her room. Sound familiar? : )

Here are their most known and quoted sayings. Use them as a meditation to say whenever you hit those rough spots in a season you are in.

“Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you. All things pass. God does not change. Patience achieves everything.” Teresa of Avila

“All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.” Julian of Norwich

Spiritual practices like prayer, meditation, meditating on Scripture, and contemplative prayer help you to weather life’s storms. I’ve created a free mini course to walk you through each one. Access the mini course called Be Present with God.