Seasons of Life

A wise person once told me that life is not made up of one long and continuous journey. Rather, it consists of back-to-back-to-back distinct seasons of life. Certain events in life serve as milestones, signaling the end of one season and the beginning of the next. Those who can transition well from one season to the next exhibit a key ingredient to healthy maturity.

I have not always transitioned well. But the times I have transitioned well, I had godly people there to help me. These people provide some of the sweetest and surest evidence of God’s faithfulness in my life. Different things come up in life that make me remember certain people. It could be watching a certain movie, seeing something posted on social media, or just the time of year it is. What a joy to have shared seasons of life with them.

But around Easter every year, I’m reminded of the most meaningful person and transition I have ever experienced.

It was my sophomore year of college and I had just moved back to my hometown to play baseball at Temple College. It was a wonderful opportunity that I was making the least of by my dismal performance on the field. I felt like such a failure. But God used this time in my life to make me realize that He loved me too much to continue to let me live for something less than what I was created for.

Before arriving at this awareness of my need for Him, I would’ve told you that I believed in God and was a Christian. But I also knew that I was not following Jesus in any meaningful way. I wanted God to help me get what I wanted, but I did not want Him to tell me what I really needed. Deep down, I think I always knew He was there and wanted me trust and live for Him. Still, until this transition occurred, I was powerless to save myself from my selfish avoidance of His claim on my life.

But somewhere along the way a change took place. I wish I could remember the day and the time. I know it was some time in the Spring of 2007. It was during baseball season that I transitioned from one season of my life to the next. I transitioned from unbelief to belief…I became a follower of Jesus.

As the world’s most beloved hymn states so wonderfully,

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found. Was blind but now I see.

Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved. How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.