seasons of life

I’ve always enjoyed the warmth of summer nights.  This night is no exception, I love the fact that my window is open, that I can hear the pump running on our pool and the crickets chirping in the grass.

For some people these sounds would quicky become an annoyance, but to me they are soothing… this is home.  These are the nuances that make up the atmosphere of my home.  The smell of my room, the light essence of patchouli on my pillow case, the dim light radiating from my lamp which has been custom-fitted with only the finest quality, scissor-cut, sweat pant leg.

Sometimes I like to think of God as a chef, a masterful chef… and our lives are like gourmet dishes that He is creating.  I like the word nuance because it implies subtlety of flavor.  It’s always the subtle flavors that really make a meal great.

I think the same idea can be applied to individuals, we are all so very different in so many ways. I think it is fair to say we all have circumstances, relationships, struggles, hopes, and fears that season our lives.  These are the things that make us who we are, these are the ingredients of our lives, these are the nuances that in time, and with some help from the masterful chef, will make us great.

The thing that is difficult about being an introvert is that I have a tendency to internalize all of those things that make me who I am.  I, by my nature, want to retreat into myself and process the circumstances, struggles, hopes, and pains of my life.  I have to remember that God created me to be a person who lives in community.  We are called by God to bear one another’s burdens and to share our lives with one another.  This means the things that season my life, that make me who I am, are not my own.  These pains, struggles, joys, loves, burdens, and gifts all belong to the community of God’s people, the body of Christ.I think introspection and self-examination are good and I think they are from God, but I can’t forget the importance of community.

Ephesians 5:5-6 – Therefore be immitators of God as beloved children.  And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 

~ by Will Nelson on July 8, 2007.