Fall is often like a new year of sorts. Those of us with school-aged children begin a new school year and new routines. At the other end of the spectrum, some have just had their first child leave for college and live away from home for the first time. Some of you have been there, done each of those phases, and are now empty nest newbies.
Like the weather, life is full of changing seasons. Each stage has challenges, and each has opportunities. The Spring and Summer of our lives set us up for the Fall and Winter. Christian Hip Hop artist Tedashii’s poem ”Seasons” was featured in 33 The Series as it dives into seasons of a man’s life in its very first volume, A Man and His Design.
Some of his lines strike me powerfully and reinforce themes we speak of often.
Intentionality
Playing around and playing to win is not the same thing.
No plan to be a man, just letting the time pass. Passive.
Discipling
Find someone who’s been there.
Learn to be one who’ll find one who’ll teach.
Reaping What You Sow
Learn that each (season) lends itself to the next.
Learn that each (season) has growth to reap.
I refuse to let the 60-year-old me look back at 20-year-old me like, “What was he thinking? Where was the plan?”
The big message? Don’t waste your season!
One thing is constant in every season; we are sowing what we will be harvesting in the future. We have a responsibility to look at time and stages and be prepared for every one of them.
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17
How can we know if we are planting what we want to reap? It’s the same way we know if we arrive at the correct destination on our vacation. We have to know where we are going.
“Live with the end in mind like a period,” says Tedashii.
Through every season, we have one purpose – to live intentionally for Christ. Though the seasons change, He has set eternity on our hearts. In the ebbing tides of life, it’s the constant undercurrent fighting to pull you in with your whole heart, mind, and strength.
How will you live intentionally through this season, whatever season you’re in?
As we kick off The Noble Man Tailgate Season this month, we are praying that God would spark in the hearts of men across the region to begin connecting in new ways, and we will be traveling with resources to help them get started.
Will you pray with us as we kick off our journey? Will you join us on the road?
Resources:
Tailgate Schedule – Noble Warriors