Finding Joy in Uncomfortable Seasons

As I sipped my morning coffee and checked email, I glanced up at the local news program on my television. A graphic at the bottom of the screen caught my eye—a live poll asking whether people preferred summer or winter. Winter was leading by a good margin. Given the relentless summer heat wave we’re experiencing, I wasn’t surprised. I would have cast my vote for winter too.

One newscaster commented that people often say they prefer the opposite season to the one they’re in. So true. When you’re enduring the worst of one season, it’s easy to forget the worst of another. The same can be said for life.

When life gets hard, we often lose focus. We falsely assume the grass is greener elsewhere. We think if only we had this or that, or could be more like so-and-so, life would be easier. We fixate on what’s wrong instead of what’s right, the negative instead of the positive, and by doing so, we starve ourselves of joy.

Every season has its challenges, but also an abundance of blessings. However, we won’t notice or appreciate the blessings if we’re solely focused on the negative.

Years ago, I planted Echinacea seeds in an attempt to provide perennial flowers for pollinators. God blessed that effort, and each year I look forward to seeing the beautiful butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees that visit the purple flowers. It’s fitting that these plants seem at their best when summer feels its worst, and I least want to be in the garden. They bring a smile to my face and remind me, when I most need reminding, that there’s much to be thankful for.

So, the next time you’re longing for a different season—whether in nature or in life—I encourage you to take a moment to appreciate the unique blessings of the present. Embrace the beauty around you, and remember that every season has its own special gifts. By shifting your focus, you’ll find joy even in the midst of challenges.