"The season of failure is the best time for sowing the seeds of success." Paramahansa Yogananda

            As I write this, Chris and I have been awake for five days in a row.  We are not looking for sympathy, we are not shopping for pity; it is really just a fact – five days of being awake with brief periods of ‘alert rest.’  Baby Emery, a naturally sweet and content child, has decided that night is no longer for her and thus, no longer for us either.  Any parent, grandparent or person who has become nocturnal by force can relate and in the end, regardless of how it feels in the moment, it truly is only for a season.

            Chris and I have coined the term, ‘sleep drunk’ in our home.  It is when one feels as though they have consumed an entire bottle of Patron, without the reckless abandon one may have felt at the time of the actual imbibing.  Sleep drunk makes us irritable, causes us to lose focus and oh yes, there is no worry of a fifth child (we are not planning one) because that would require immaculate conception.

            Last Sunday, after night number five, I forced myself out the door for a run.  In my head I imagined a couple of miles just to clear my mind.  Five miles later, feeling much better, I reasoned that Emery’s decision not to sleep was only for a season.  After this, we would be in another season and like so many things, following a season of toil often comes the season of harvest.

            Many things happen only for a season.  The recent recession, for example, was a season of financial adversity which had happened on the heels of a season of financial prosperity.  Those who stayed the course during the recession experienced, not only a recovery in their portfolio, they received the reward of a season of financial gain. 

            People often experience a season, or two, of ill health.  A friend of mine, an athlete, was diagnosed with cancer.  After a season of sickness, he went on to triumph which opened doors of greater opportunity for him.  Another friend recently went through a season of stomach flu which swept through her home.  It lasted only for a short period of time and on the other side, everyone was just as healthy as before; the season of illness was naturally followed by a season of wellness.

This past Sunday marked Super Bowl 44.  Football happens in seasons and two lucky teams get to advance for the coveted battle to determine the Super Bowl champion, much like modern day gladiators with the exception of physical death although defeat may feel very much so.  During the regular season, players and their teams give it all they have and in the end there is only one winner.

            For a football player, it takes years of training and development to get to the NFL.  Children start at a young age, they progress on to high school ball and then, if they have enough talent and are lucky enough to be scouted head to university.  There, further selection occurs and ultimately only a chosen few get to suit up on any given Sunday.  Once a player achieves pro status, years of preparation yield to a good couple of seasons.

            In our lives we all face seasons of victory and seasons where we feel defeated.  There are times when we wonder if our personal winter will ever give way to the birth of a new spring full of hope.  You may be feeling frustration in your business or finances.  You may be wondering if your relationship is ever going to improve or your health is ever going to take a turn for the better.  Know, that ultimately, everything is only for a season and that you are equipped to weather any storm.

            Much like the football players, who in the off season, are working out and training, you can choose to use your personal off season to better yourself.  Is there a book you have been putting off reading that will help you grow in your skills?  Is there a conversation you need to have with your partner so you can be on the same page?  Is there a person you need to forgive or perhaps someone you need to acknowledge?  Is it time to actually get out there and join the gym or start that exercise program?

            It is easy to feel gracious in a season of victory and easy to forget all of the struggle that proceeds any triumph.  Any football player will talk to you about intense practices and mental hurdles that must be overcome to get to the big game.  Any millionaire will share their stories of personal growth that were necessary in order to become successful.  Any happily married couple will let you know that they did have arguments.  Ultimately, anyone who achieves victory knows that the season of growth, struggle, challenge and sometimes pain is essential in order to enjoy the season of victory.

            Whatever challenge you are facing please know that it is only for a season.  There is light at the end of that tunnel.  Perhaps you have felt stuck for years; know that your day is coming and your season of harvest is just around the corner. 

     You may be wondering how I could possibly understand your struggles.  Although I cannot walk in your shoes I can share that when I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, lost my marriage, my home and all of my income I experiences a season of despair.  I cried at night and wondered how I would ever overcome my challenges.  I didn’t see the hope around the corner, all I saw was my personal misery.

     It was not until I decided to change my attitude and come to the conclusion that my current situation was not a definition of who I was, it was only a definition of where I was, that things began to change.  It was only one year later that I re-met Chris, fell in love and began the road to a new life.  Three years after that we were successful entrepreneurs and I was getting healthy.  Today, I feel so blessed to be living in a season of both prosperity and growth and that means a life of continual harvest.

     I understand that you may be frustrated in your life.  Your bank account may not be providing you with security.  You may feel out of shape or even battling a negative health report.  Please remember that all things are for a season.  You can change your attitude right now and take on the notion that the season of abundance is just around the corner.  All struggles must end at some point and above all else know that your season of increase is at hand.

P.S.     -           It was an awesome football game last Sunday!!

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