There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race.
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 NIV)
As I have been enjoying the beauty of the season of spring, and as I drive into our driveway daily and see the beautiful tulips God has provided... He has reminded me of this passage given in Ecclesiastes.
04/13/14
Just as the seasons change throughout each year, so do the seasons in my life as a believer. I, we, have seasons of death, trials, pruning, refining, growth, maturing, beauty, and others... All of which can reflect His beauty and His glory.
We've been in the seasons of pruning (away the things of this life with no eternal value) refining (us as marriage partners and as parents- God showing us ourselves in our own strength and in His strength) which has led us to maturing (which we are still in), and growth (growth in Him and in His word). There is no substitute in seeking true knowledge than from the Word. No book or pastor can substitute the truths the Holy Spirit can reveal to a believer who's in His word.
We have "done life" with our son and new family for 6 months now. There have been moments where I can say I was the proudest mommy on earth, and others where I felt more defeated and discouraged as a mom than ever in my life. You see this journey of adoption God has led us down brings joy that can only come from the Father, but also with adoption comes brokenness, sadness, frustration, healing, growth, trust.. step by step and one day at a time.
I'm so thankful that with spring this year- I get to see the beauty and growth of my tulips each day ....
But even greater this spring season.... I get to witness and be a part of the growth in my son who kisses his mama's lips almost daily and freely gives hugs.. for my three incredible, beautiful daughters who have stepped up so many days and spoken Truth to me-- and loved their brother so tenderly when they needed their own hug. This spring I'm so grateful for the growth in my husband as he's walked this 6 months with me. This walk has been strenuous, challenging, soul-searching, but PRICELESS... because we have walked it together and have come through it TOGETHER! I give God all the glory for the strength, growth, and strides we have made... HE has made me glad!
Happy 6 months Luke O'Neil Perry!
