“We cannot stop the winter or the summer from coming. We cannot stop the spring or the fall or make them other than they are. They are gifts from the universe that we cannot refuse. But we can choose what we will contribute to life when each arrives.” - Gary Zukav

The last season that we encounter in our lives is winter. In this season, we are able to take the time to reflect on all of the other seasons we have been through, prepare our hearts and spirits for new beginnings, and work on our inner selves.

“Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful.” - Margaret J. Wheatley

We need to take this time in our lives to reflect on all that has happened. Reflection is, by definition, serious thought or consideration. Therefore, taking the time to seriously think about and consider the lessons we have learned in life leads us to better understand ourselves, our past, and show us a glimpse of what our futures will entail.

“Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.” - Alexander Graham Bell

In this season, we must prepare ourselves for what is to come. One can think of this sort of preparation as readying one’s self for an adventure. We are all on our separate journeys, following our own paths marked out for us by God. However, before we can continue our wandering, we must prepare and renew ourselves mentally, physically, and spiritually.

“Everyone rushes elsewhere and into the future, because no one wants to face one's own inner self.” - Michel de Montaigne

Our inner selves are the very core of our existence. If we do not know or understand who we are on the inside, we will never be able to express our dreams and desires and hopes to those outside of ourselves. Learning who one is on a deep, inwardly spiritual level isn’t as scary or hard as one might think. All it takes is turning to God, through prayer and petition, and asking Him to reveal to you who He created you to be. Once you become self aware, you are ready to move onto your next season of life and start the process all over again.

There is no set order or number of seasons in which you will encounter in your lifetime. You don't have to fear the bad ones or only hope for the good ones. Seasons are not permanent, they are but fleeting images in grand scheme of things. Learn to embrace whatever season of life you are in and find your comfort in the Lord. When you do this, you will be surprised at how full your life can become, no matter the season.

“There are seasons in life. Don't ever let anyone try to deny you the joy of one season because they believe you should stay in another season... Listen to yourself. Trust your instincts. Keep your perspective.” - Jane Clayson