麻豆区

I have always been the type of person to really enjoy Spring and Autumn, not so much the seasons of extreme cold or heat. I prefer the milder temperatures rather than feeling the heat of the sun or the cold winter winds.  I like to be able to enjoy being outside without complaining about the weather.  So, now that we have lived through another Winter and have entered Spring, I notice a newfound energy and 鈥榮pring鈥� in my step.

Farmers certainly have a very good understanding of the value of each season and what this means for their work on the land.  Gardeners also understand what needs to happen for their plants throughout the seasons in order for them to produce fruit.  The Bible also talks about the seasons and that each season has it鈥檚 worth 鈥淔or everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. Eccl 3:1鈥�

I would imagine that God enjoys every season, even the times of extreme heat and cold.  These extreme temperatures are not a distraction as there is a purpose behind it all which sometimes is not always obvious.  Snow is an excellent insulator, protecting plants and trees until Spring arrives.  When the summer months are too hot, the tree's ability to photosynthesise slows or stops completely during the hottest parts of the day. The tree does this to protect itself and save energy as the enzymes are unable to work efficiently in such a climate.

The Bible often refers to the seasons, producing fruit in season and being planted in fertile soil.  During one of the College鈥檚 Professional Development days for staff, our talented Librarian, Sarah Frost, created a stunning painting of a tree planted by a stream.  Teachers and staff watched over the days as the painting slowly came to life and it reminded me of how God often works in our life over time to create a beautiful masterpiece.  This work happens over seasons of drought, waiting and persevering through winters and summers and then, at the right time, flourishing and blooming into a spectacular creation. Galatians 6:9 says 鈥楢nd let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.鈥�  I am so thankful that God is God of all seasons and He is working to create good things regardless of the season.

Suzi Scott
Director of ELC and OSHC