The Season of Change

December was supposed to be my month. November hadn’t turned out so great, and embracing the idea of positive self-talk, I had convinced myself that December would be better. Quite literally, I counted down the days until the new month began. And then it did. And things continued their tailspin.

Now before anyone gets too worried, none of my life’s trials are currently that bad. There are people who are going through much worse. I recognize this and I’m grateful that my biggest personal concern is that I haven’t had half of my electricity for the better part of the month. Yet giving mental assent to this fact hasn’t helped my attitude much in the last few days. I beat. And I’m tired. And quite frankly, I want someone to rescue me.

But no one has. And in fact, several people have offered to help, but there’s nothing they can do. It’s surprising – for a girl who never asks for assistance – in the rare case that I would actually accept it, I have to do it on my own. No one can climb the incline for me.

And I think some times are just like that. Like Alexander and the terrible, horrible, no-good very bad day, we have to recognize that every life has its seasons. Some are worse than others, some are better. I think I tend to hover around autumn – not too hot, not too cold, but always filled with change. I don’t experience the majesty of spring or the destitution of winter, and somehow it all evens out for me in the end. Knowing that I know the One who causes every wind to blow and every leaf to fall, helps make autumn sustainable. After all, even a sparrow doesn’t stumble without Him being aware.

Alexander wanted to move to Australia. I can certainly understand that feeling. But Australia has its autumns too. And at least if I’m in autumn, I can always look forward to the eternal Spring.

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The Death of a King

It was a moment I’ll never forget. I had traveled to England for work and decided to stay a few extra days to be a tourist. For someone who had previously hated traveling, this was a big adventure. On my own, out of the country, with absolutely no plan.

As I strolled the streets of London, I was in awe of the city. At that time, I had never experienced what it was like to be in a place where you could walk for miles and see nothing but activity. I was alone, yet surrounded by people. I was one of the masses enjoying the mysteries of modern life.

And then I came to the castle. Buckingham Palace to be exact. The flag was up – the sign that the Queen was in residence. Unlike most tourists, I had decided not to take the tour and to this day, I have no clue what the palace looks like on the inside. But it didn’t matter. I was dumbfounded. And for a girl who’s not easily impressed, this was a moment of magic.

As I stared the flag, it hit me. This was their queen. And the palpable air of respect permeated my surroundings. Being raised in America, I’m used to public officials being elected. The Queen hadn’t been elected; she was born into her position. I could no sooner ascend to her place than I could learn to fly. No desire, no volition, no action on my part could make us equal. She was the Queen; I was not.

Maybe it was the majesty of the moment, but it was only then that I realized the significance of saying that Christ, our King, had died for us. If I were an Englander, I would not be able to imagine a circumstance in which the Queen would choose to give her life for mine. But this is what the Heavenly King did. He gave up His birthright of royalty, to pay my penalty. What an Earthly queen could never be compelled to do, our Heavenly King did willingly on our behalf.

I still think I’m far from grasping the significance of that act. I think people who are familiar with a heritage of royalty probably have a better appreciation for it. But as I think back, I’m grateful for the night spent at the steps of the Queen. It helped prepare me for an eternity at the King’s feet.

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