August 20, 2025

“There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1

One of my favorite things about this time of year where I live is that the farm markets begin to roast our famous Pueblo chilies. It is hard to explain if you don’t live here, but natives know exactly what I am talking about. It is not just the spicy, sweet, smoky flavor of the chile in the air, but that it also serves as the first sign that fall is on the way. I love the changing of the seasons. After 100-degree heat in the summer, it is exciting to know the chilly fall nights are slowly creeping in. Whenever my kids complain about how hot (or how cold) it is, I always say, “enjoy it now because soon you’ll be bundling up trying to keep warm (or sitting in front of the air conditioner trying to cool off).”

Seasons are a guaranteed part of life. A very important lesson I have learned, both through my personal life as well as two decades of counseling parishioners, is that life comes in seasons. One of the constants in life is change. This truth is especially important to remember during the difficult times. We get so distraught and hopeless when things are hard, but we must always remember that this is simply a season. Some seasons last for weeks and some for years, but your current situation will change. Maybe the relationships will change, maybe your health will change, maybe your perspective will change, or maybe your maturity will change. But guaranteed, on the other side of this season lies something different. And if you walk through this season with your eyes firmly set on Christ, whatever is on the other side will be better, regardless of the circumstances.

Father, thank You for change. Thank You for using both the joyful and the difficult seasons of our lives as opportunities to know You better. Give us the wisdom and the strength to set our eyes on You in both the good times and the hard times. Let every season serve its purpose to mature us and draw us closer to our loving God.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon