this season

i don't like to say good-bye.
i don't even like the idea of saying good-bye.

today i wrote a letter to some dear family friends who are moving across the country. these people have been my aunt and uncle since my grade school years. telling them how much i love them in a letter filled me with a myriad of emotions-appreciation and thankfulness for the gift of years and sadness to say good-bye for now.

last night, kyle and i had an event for our area. we invited people to byom (bring your own meat) and we would barbecue it-or more accurately kyle would barbecue it. =) after everyone had left, i sat at the table in kyle's kitchen and felt a little sad as i began to think that the year is a 1/4 done. if the beginning has sped past, how quickly will the end come? i know there's still time before i have to say good-bye to my friends who happen to be seniors all over again, but there isn't much.

i've been reminded the past few days of the reality of seasons. the rains have come and the leaves are falling. only weeks ago, i could wear skirts without my legs freezing. now, i wear an extra layer or two as i walk with jodi to class.
jesus designed the world with seasons-some last a few months, and others years. jesus knows exactly the length of the season we are. the time we receive is a gift. sometimes its hard for me just to be thankful for the blessing of the time i'm given, instead of spending part of the season i'm in wishing for more.

you give and take away
you give and take away.
my heart will choose to say,
lord, blessed be your name.

still, i will say,
lord, blessed be your name.