Signs of the Seasons

What a beautiful morning! I spent most of my formative years in the south, where mornings like this, crisp and bright, meant that the time for autumn hunting was around the corner. Days like this still stir in me the memories of childhood. Memories of the morning walks through the field kicking up coveys of quail, or sitting quietly waiting for a squirrel to scamper through the trees. I loved to just sit on the side of the mountain and listen to the myriad of sounds as the refreshing cool breeze would stir the leaves. I loved summer, but truth be told the sheer beauty of the mountains in the fall are unparalleled.

My drive into the office takes me by a small lake here in western Iowa. This morning the lake was full of Canada geese as they begin their journey south for the winter. I must admit that this southern boy is a bit jealous of them, because while these mornings bring up fond memories of childhood, the harsh reality that Iowa is not Arkansas and that the memories of adulthood include that of shovels, snow blowers, subzero wind chills and being snowed in at work comes into sharp focus. The geese are smart, while I'm shoveling they will be strutting around some beach in Cabo San Lucas.

Geese seem to be smarter than mankind. They instinctively know the signs of the seasons. I read in Revelation chapter one that the Lord wanted us to recognize the signs of the seasons, though He was not referring to climate. He wanted us to recognize the signs of His return so we would be ready, and so that our work for the Kingdom would be complete.

The day is coming when the body of Christ will, as the geese, take wing and flee the winter of despair that shall fall upon the earth. Are you among that flock? If so, are you working to ensure that your flight will be full?

Jim