Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  
Philippians 4:8 ESV 

We all have our own favorite seasons of the year, for our own reasons. The “spring” people often name that feeling of hope they get as the world comes to life: nature’s bright colors returning and new beginnings happening after months of cold and dark. Summer fans love the warmth and the sunshine; long, lazy days; water fun; and slower schedules. Fall folks welcome the cooler air; the vibrant, changing leaves; Crock-Pot recipes; and the return of favorite sports. And among the many “winter” joys are snowy days, cozy nights, blazing fires, cocoa, and comfort food in the kitchen.  

It’s funny that the same season can appear at the top of one person’s list and sit at the bottom of another’s. We all have our preferences—that’s just part of our uniqueness as God’s creation. But there’s an interesting thing that happens once we decide that something is our favorite. We start to focus on all the wonderful details about it, and those less-than-desirable aspects kind of fade into the background. Sure, those summer people love their sunshine, but they quickly forget that some days, the heat can be sweltering. As the winter folks think of building snowmen, they somehow dismiss the time spent clearing ice from windshields and mounds of snow from the driveway. In other words, the more we focus on the good stuff, the less we see of anything else. This can be true about our seasons of life, too. 

As the years pass, we go from living at home to making it in the “real world,” raising babies to reining in high schoolers, or juggling a busy career to enjoying (a sometimes-even-busier!) retirement, and everything in between. When we reflect on the times we’ve lived through, what do we remember most? Our snapshots of memories are created by what we choose to focus on. What we’re most mindful of in each season of life will always stand out on the pages of our history. God’s Word reminds us that the way we experience life is always within our power. We’re invited to give thanks in all circumstances and to set our minds on things above. Why? Because our Maker knows that’s where our true joy lies. The hymn “There Shall Be Showers of Blessing” celebrates the promises God has given to bless us, in every season: 

There shall be showers of blessing: 
This is the promise of love; 
There shall be seasons refreshing, 
Sent from the Savior above. 

Just as we like to do with our favorite time of the year, we can choose to focus on the good during any season of life. This is how we become more and more aware of God’s blessings. They’re never scarce; we just miss them sometimes. One of the secrets to a rich and satisfying life is to love what is, not to wait for what will be. We’ve heard it said that happiness doesn’t happen tomorrow; it can only be found today. Whatever age or stage of life you’re experiencing now is sure to bring its own unique challenges and blessings. Whichever you choose to focus on is what you’ll remember most when you look back at these years. 

Father, thank You for being present with me in every season of life and inviting me to see those blessings You’re constantly giving. Open my eyes and heart to all the goodness I’m not yet aware of. Help me live with joy and gratitude so that when I look back on this time, I’ll find countless reasons to smile. Amen. 

 

Friends, after more than 25 years as part of Hallmark, DaySpring is moving to Hallmark.com. You will soon find encouraging devotions publishing weekly from the NEW DaySpring Writing Community at Hallmark’s Ideas & Inspiration blog! 

February 23rd will be our final Daily Devotion. From then on, you’ll find a new devotion by a DaySpring writer each Monday at the DaySpring Writing Community on Hallmark’s Ideas & Inspiration blog and will receive this content to your inbox every Wednesday. 

While DaySpring’s Daily Devotions will end, the stories of faith will continue. DaySpring writers will keep sharing the ways God is showing up in their lives, so you can see Him more clearly in yours. 

We can’t wait for you to visit the new home of the DaySpring Writing Community at Hallmark.com, starting on February 24th. Thank you for being part of this wonderful Daily Devotion community.