Embracing The Seasons

I have to say, when I was younger I didn't think much about the seasons during the year.  I knew that winter was cold.  I didn't like that much.  Spring was warmer but muddy.  Summer was better because I got to do things outside and enjoyed the break from being at school. Fall, however, was that "in between" season. What was the point of Autumn, anyways? 
 
Now that I'm older (much older) I think Autumn is now my favourite time of year. The transition from summer to winter needs "fall" to signify the process.  The changing colours and cooler mornings are there to remind us that, in life, things go through changes as part of the natural course that God has designed for us to experience and enjoy. 
 
Q:  How have you taken time to fully immerse yourself in the season of Autumn; to enjoy the changes in scenery and observe all it's beauty?

The changing of seasons, particularly the transition from summer to autumn before winter, holds a profound symbolism in our Christian faith. There is spiritual significance of the changing seasons and their relevance to us in our personal lives and also in our business world.

Seasons of Life and Faith
The changing of seasons serves as a powerful example of the journey of faith and life. Just as nature experiences cycles of growth and decline, so do we in our spiritual walk. 

In Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, we find the well-known verses that remind us, 
"To everything, there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven...
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted." 

Q: How can these verses guide our perspective on change and adaptation in our pursuit of excellence in business, life and spirit?

The Importance of Adaptation
In nature, as the seasons shift, plants and animals adapt to survive. Similarly, for us, adaptation is key to success. 

Luke 5:36-38 teaches us, "No one tears a piece of cloth from a new garment and puts it on an old garment. If he does, he will both tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old."

Q: How can this principle be applied to us, and what lessons can Christian business leaders draw from it?
 

Building Faith Amidst Change
As autumn's colors fade into the stillness of winter, it's a critical reminder that we are to nurture our faith through the changing seasons of life and business.

Isaiah 40:8 reminds us, "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." 

Q: How can a Christian business leader cultivate faith, resilience, and stability in the midst of change and uncertainty?
 

We cannot escape the changing seasons of life and business. As we observe these changes, we find profound connections between nature's cycles and our own personal journey of faith. Just as the earth transitions through seasons, so also do we encounter growth, adaptation, and moments of stillness. 

For this season, I have chosen to immerse myself in the changes that are occurring.  To let God show me His plan and lead me through them in a way that also changes me in the process. 

I encourage you to do the same.

My Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, as Christian business leaders, we seek your wisdom and strength to navigate the changing seasons of our lives. Help us discern your timing, adapt with grace, and nurture our faith. Guide us in aligning our goals with your divine plan, knowing that, just as the seasons change, your love and purpose remain constant.

In Jesus' name, we pray.

Amen.

Steve Shrout 
President, Corpath Forums
Email: president@corpath.ca

"Pursuing Excellence in Business, Life and Spirit"

Special Note:
If you enjoyed today’s message, then share it with someone.  Also, use this content and questions as a discussion guide in your next Forum Group meeting.

 Attached to this is a printable/ fillable PDF you can use to help with your meditation and reflection.  I encourage you to print it, answer the questions, and then keep it in a Corpath binder or folder for future reference and thought.  You will receive a new PDF each week with each new Monday Meditation, and, over time, your binder will become a book representing your Corpath journey of BUSINESS thoughts, personal LIFE development, and SPIRITUAL growth.