Its hard to be discontent when you remain in a spirit of gratitude. As a business owner for the past three years, I’ve come to recognize the various “seasons” in my industry. Between January and June, there tends to be a steady stream of new clients. During the summer months of July, August and September, however, most people are vacating one last time before the summer ends so things start to slow down. And then in November and December people are spending time with their family for the holidays and aren’t really thinking about suing people. Once I learned this “pattern” of when people need legal services, I stopped worrying about why my business numbers fluctuated. I learned to identify the seasons, be content, and be grateful for the down time because very soon things would be hectic again.
“I learned to identify the seasons... because very soon things would be hectic again.”
The same is true not only in business, but in our personal lives as well. We all know that there are different seasons but when things change we tend to panic. I love what Melissa Hesler teaches about the change in seasons – “winter brings clarity.” As I began to think about what this means, it makes so much sense. During the winter, when things have died, you have a better sense of where you are and what things you need to do to get to where you’re going. Just as sure as there will be winter months in your life, Spring is sure to come.
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”
Learning to be content and grateful, no matter what the season, will save you a lot of stress and anxiety. (Philippians 4:11-13). We have to experience seasons of drought in order to appreciate the seasons of plentiful. Instead of panicking, begin to identify the benefits of the season you’re in and be thankful for the lessons learned during that time. It’s these lessons that will prepare you for the next season.