This morning during my back porch quiet time, I enjoyed the beauty of winter. A slight rustle of leaves in a gentle breeze, peace, stillness, quiet.

I pondered the beauty of all the seasons. Winter with its stillness, quiet, and peace. Spring with new life, fresh color, nature waking up. Summer full of bustling activity and longer days. Fall with deep color in the trees, bright blue skies, and cooler temps. Then back to winter to start all over again.

Each season has its own beauty, purpose, and challenges. Each is appointed its own time, none can be skipped. Each is in some way preparation for the next season. Everyone has their favorite season, and some people live where they live specifically to enjoy their favorite “seasonal” weather all year long.

I pondered how we go through similar seasons every day. We sleep at night (winter), wake up to a fresh new start (spring), move into our days full of activity (summer), and then wind down in the evening (fall).

But how often do we skip from sleep to full activity without taking time to warm up? Or go straight from full-on speed of the day to sleep without winding down? Or give up sleep to get more done? And we wonder why we’re so worn out all the time!

As you journey through this holiday season, make it a point to take time for every “season”, every day. On purpose.

• Start with quiet morning time with the Lord and plan out your day with Him.
• Then go full-on with your daily activity, whatever it is.
• Wind down in the evenings by reviewing your day, reading a good book, or enjoying family time.
• Most importantly, allow ample time for a good night’s rest so you can be fresh for the next day.

Just like nature, each part of our day leads to and prepares us for the next part. Slow down. Choose wisely how you plan your day.

The enemy of our souls wants to wear us out with busy-ness. The Lord wants us to enjoy every day. The goal is not perfection, but consistency. When we regularly make time for every nourishing part of our day, burnout is kept at bay and we can more fully enjoy the life God created us to live.

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy.
I came that they may have and enjoy life,
and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). (John 10:10, AMPC)