The frosty mornings of last week were a strong reminder of the passage of the seasons of the year.

We complain a bit about the extremes of weather, but we have nothing on other parts of the world. In parts of Alberta, Canada, they have 40 feet of snow every year. In parts of Siberia their winter temperatures get well below -40 and in summer soar to over +40. That amounts to a different season every month!

In the areas of the globe close to the poles, the amount of sunlight goes from close to zero in winter to almost 24 hours per day in summer. The long dull winters sometimes lead people to become extremely depressed in a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD.

Our lives go through definite seasons also.

We start off as babies, totally dependent on other people to provide every need- physical, relational and emotional. As we grow and learn, we gradually become less dependent and more self-directed.

In the next season, we learn to stand on our own two feet, providing for many of our own needs while recognising we have a role to play in a community. We set off on a career and establish a permanent coupled relationship.

Another season is when we become parents, and take on the awesome responsibility for caring and moulding children.

The last season sees us retire from paid work, slow down and, for many people, we become more dependent on others again.

Each season comes with its challenges and joys. There are times of excitement and times of grief. But in all of these seasons God is with us and using all of these events to shape our character and to teach us to trust Him.

In Romans 8:28, we are told “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Wherever we are in life we can trust that God is with us, He knows us and He is leading us.