I have been working on a new book over this past year called Passing Guests: The Seasons of the Heart (to be released in the new year). The volume is a series of reflections on our faith journey through the four seasons of our lives—winter, spring, summer, and fall. It is a recognition that God whispers to our hearts in every season of life whether we are young, old, or somewhere in the middle. We are all passing guests before our loving God as we live our lives under his glorious sun.
The motivation for this post came as I meandered through the collection of the present AGO exhibition “Making Her Mark: A History of Women Artists, 1400-1800.” Specifically, I enjoyed the depiction of the four seasons of life by Magdalena Van de Passe (1600-1638). The artist presents the four seasons beginning with spring, passing through summer and autumn and concluding with the winter months. Each of the engravings represents scenes of courtship in a bucolic setting, bringing to mind the emotions of love at each of life’s seasons.
As I considered the artist’s work I was reminded of the psalmist’s observation that we are “all passing Guests” before our God as we live out our days on planet earth (Psalm 39:12). We have our moment under God’s sun to make our mark—whether big or small (it doesn’t matter!). The key is to be mindful and to live out our days as an expression of love for others.
This is finally our “Great Work!”—“Love”—even as we are grounded in “God’s love for us.”
GM my dear Pastor Alan, yes passing guess which even Jesus grace us with. I like this...."We have our moment under God’s sun to make our mark". Suddenly I remember. Jesus is Love yet when on earth not accepted even in the face of signs, miracles and wonder.
So the artist different posture, the seasons different so where is the balance? Where is the uniqueness? None.
So we are all fearfully and wonderful made and to worhsip Abba in spirit and Truth (guided by the Living Word" while comfort by the Holy Spirit.
It's very very hard navigating the different seasons even to anticipate the next one and in each one we may say...it's too hot or cold or rainy etc not realizing it's God Providence.. this is where I am trying to stay calm asking forgiveness for complaining.
But each morning grace us to invite the guests of the Holy Spirit as oh boy I sure do need Him now...the other day i cuss like a sailor ( my stormy season) so I pray that I could sit face to face with Holy Spirit....I want to settle this once and for all...m having all 4 seasons . 😔
Blessings Pastor Alan ❤️