Today’s post is written by our first guest writer in the #thankfultoday series, Chuck Dubbe! As you probably know, Chuck has been my man for the last 9 years (we met 9 years ago this month!). We’ve been married for over 8 years and I’m thrilled he wrote a post for us today! Thank you, Babe!

I’m thankful for seasons. #thankfultoday

There are various kinds of seasons. Right now the fall season is in full swing. Autumn marks the transition from summer to winter, when the temperature cools down, trees shed their leaves, daylight becomes shorter, and those sweet hot drinks are the favorite treats to get. Hello Starbucks and Dunkin!

Not only do seasons mark weather changes, but also beginnings and endings. In life we experience seasons when we transition from one stage to another. It could be anything from a relocation, job change, birth of a child, time of grief, or even a temporary home renovation.

There’s something about beginnings that infuses life, hope, excitement, and new opportunities – a fresh start, clean slate, or promotion. Even a new day feels encouraging. The hope and anticipation for what is to come often helps one overcome the unknown or temporary season of discomfort. A pastor once said in reference to a biblical story: “If you aren’t willing to step out of the boat you’ll never walk on water.”

What season are you going through right now? You may not have even chosen it. Perhaps someone “pushed you out of the boat,” and you’re not feeling too excited or hopeful. This morning, I read Romans 5:3-5, which was so encouraging. It says, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” 

We are actually able to be joyful in the midst of difficult and trying seasons, because we have hope and love already within. When you face problems, learn to recognize the checkpoints along the path of hope. And be sure to tap into that supernatural strength.

I don’t believe for one second our Father brings about problems and trials. In a broken world those naturally come to us. However, in these temporary seasons, we experience an extraordinary measure of God’s hope, love, strength, and provision. We call those miracle moments testimonies. 🙂

While in a season of transition and waiting, I’m so grateful for how Father has shown himself faithful, and am excited about what is to come. I’ve received a number of prophetic words about this transition and the next chapter of my life. I regularly peruse them in my journal and am encouraged with what God’s doing. It’s these seasons that mark my life and become those faith-building experiences I use to remind myself of His love and faithfulness.

What is one of your favorite seasons? Seasons Greetings friends!