I was young and had so much to learn about life and myself. Tonight I had the opportunity to walk around that college campus with some friends, and I was reminded of my eighteen year old self. I was completely different. No guy in the picture. No kids in the near future. It was a different world, and I was a completely different person.

Over the last ten years I have learned many lessons (most of them the hard way), and I’m starting to realize the importance of each experience in life. I’m learning to embrace the moments that make up my days. They turn into weeks, which turn into month, and before you know it, ten years have passed.

“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NLT)

Life is made up of a series of seasons. Each season serves a purpose and is a chance for us to grow in many ways. We grow deeper in our walk with God. We develop and strengthen relationships. And we learn more about who we are as a person.

The thing about seasons is there’s always another one right around the corner. But you know what? That’s a great thing. Right now, I’m looking forward to the change of the physical season. Crisp fall days and warm apple cider will be a welcome change to 90 degree days and high humidity.

The season of life I’m in today is completely different than the one I found myself in ten years ago when I stepped on a college campus. No longer do I need to manage class schedules, dating relationships, and being on my own. Now I have to manage potty training, temper tantrums, and listening to “Old McDonald Had a Farm” belted from the mouth of a two year old for the fifth time. It’s a different world, and I’m a completely different person.

Honestly, I don’t always embrace it, just like I didn’t always embrace my college years. But I need to. There are lessons to be learned. There are memories to make, and there are people to impact.

In the blink of an eye my season will change again. Before I know it, I’ll be managing homework, sports, and yes, dating.

But one thing has and will be the same. God’s by my side through it all. He has reminded me that he is the one constant. Just like the sun rises and sets, no matter the season, God is there, no matter where I find myself.

He’s right there with you, too. Maybe you feel like the season you’re in is never going to end. Maybe the heat of your season is wearing you down. God is with you, and he is good. This too shall pass, but embrace it. There’s something amazing in this season that God can use for his glory. Will you let him?