Yet He has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; He provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy. Acts 14:17
“Each season also has its own set of activities. Spring is about sowing and beginnings. Where there is nothing but a waiting field, the farmer sows seeds in the expectation that they will take root and produce a harvest. The tasks of spring include:
– Cleaning out what is left over from the winter’s dying plants;
– Gathering seeds;
– Figuring out which fields you are going to work;
– Making sure you have the resources to take you through the year;
– Actual sowing and planting;
– Protecting seedlings from the elements and intruders; and
– Nurturing the vision of the harvest to guide the task.
In summer, things change again. It is time to tend to what has taken root. The tasks of summer include:
– Directing resources to ensure the crops are growing;
– Preventing disease and keeping insects and other pests away;
– Watering, fertilizing, and pruning;
– Supporting the plants until they can stand on their own; and
– Monitoring, managing, and protecting the crops for the future.
Fall is harvest time:
– Acting with urgency to get crops out of the field before they rot or are damaged by rain or the cold of winter;
– Gathering the harvest completely, not leaving anything in the field;
– Harvesting with efficiency and watching the costs; and
– Harvesting with care so you don’t destroy the field in the process.
In winter, everything dies, though preparations continue. The tasks of winter include:
– Getting the financials in order;
– Squaring accounts with lenders for last years’ crops and lining up next year’s money;
– Repairing equipment and getting it ready for next year;
– Preparing fields for the upcoming year; and
– Reviewing the successes and failures of the past year and tweaking things to do everything better next year.
The problem comes when we do not accept or we willfully ignore these seasons… Believe in life cycles and seasons. They are real. Therefore, when the days get shorter or it is time to change, you will not think that “something is wrong,” but you will accept the change as readily as a farmer accepts the turning of the calendar. Then you will be able to end the previous season’s appropriate activities and move to the next. Endings are easier to embrace and execute when you believe something normal is happening.”
Henry Cloud in Necessary Endings: The Employees, Businesses, and Relationships That All of Us Have to Give Up in Order to Move Forward (San Francisco: HarperCollins, 2011) 39-41.
As I ponder on sabbatical, I realize I am transitioning to a different season of life.
I am asking myself what things I need to be doing to wrap up the past season and prepare for the next one so I liked this list of things for the farmer.
For example, I am entering the season of serving as a grandfather and as a mentor. I will continue serving as a writer and speaker but I cannot serve as President & CEO any longer.
I am learning areas of my life that need more or less attention.
As I welcome these decisions, normal changes in seasons of life, I become more fruitful quicker. And if I don’t of course it limits my productivity.
I don’t have this figured out but I pray my journey inspires you out there to prune and to welcome change in the seasons of life to maximize our kingdom impact.