Don’t Rush Your Season!
Unpopular opinion: Pumpkin Spice Season begins on September 22nd – and not one minute sooner.
School is starting up again, Starbucks has released its pumpkin flavors, and to many, summer seems to be coming to a close. But, in defiance, I refuse to celebrate fall until the calendar officially instructs me to do so.
Don’t get me wrong. I love PSLs (Pumpkin Spice Lattes), cozy sweaters, and crisp mornings. In fact, fall is one of my favorite seasons of the year. But I also love sunshine, sitting by the pool, and picking summer bouquets from my garden.
The pumpkin spice debate is insignificant in the grand scheme of eternity. If it brings you joy to sip pumpkin spice in 90-degree weather, I won’t stop you. However, this time of year reminds me that we often live our lives waiting for the next season to begin. We long to graduate, get married, find a new job, have a child, make more money, or even to retire. We anxiously wait to clock out at the end of each day, and we look forward to Friday afternoon, when the weekend can finally begin.
Certainly, we should anticipate the future with excitement. There is nothing wrong with looking forward to what is to come. But if we aren’t careful, we can wish our entire life away by simply continuing to long for what is “next.”
When I find myself impatiently waiting for something, I remind myself of Philippians 4:11-13.
“…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Contentment isn’t always easy. In fact, sometimes the seasons we find ourselves in are confusing, painful, or exhausting. However, our Creator has crafted each day with divine purpose and intentionality. He has made everything beautiful in His timing.
In our haste to begin what’s next, we might miss the beauty that is right in front of us.
So, my friend, whether you’re sipping on pumpkin spice or soaking up summer – don’t rush your spiritual season.
He desires to do something through you – right here, right now.
Rush to Starbucks to drink a PSL if you must, but don’t rush through this beautiful life.