Contrasts

Have you ever noticed how God always presents contrasts? I'm looking at the beautiful Fall landscape out of my window and marvel at how wonderful it is. Then, I think of the coming winter with cold weather, sleet, snow and ice. I know that some think winter is wonderful but I don't happen to be one of those. So the beauty of fall is contrasted with the harshness of winter. Along comes Spring and the flowers, budding trees, and warmer weather. But this is in contrast to the very warm summer, humidity, and sunburns.

I suppose that it is in these contrasts that we can see God's hand at work. We are to be satisfied in all situations whether they are ones of our choosing or not. We have the joy of a birth in the family and then mourn in the death of one. We rejoice in a new job and then suffer in the loss of one. Sometimes it is difficult to deal with the contrasts.

In I John, the contrast of living in the light or living in darkness is a serious topic because this contrast deals with our spiritual walk with the Lord and where we will spend eternity. At least with the seasonal changes, we can still look ahead to a time when we will be relieved of a season with which we are not comfortable. Walking in darkness is another story. For that person, unless he is seeking God, there is no hope of a future respite. Those who walk in darkness look at the seasonal contrasts as just that. Those who are in the light see those same seasons as gifts from God and the splendor of His hand in creating them. In situational contrasts, we, who are in the light, trust God and find hope in knowing that He is in control.

So...enjoy the Fall. Take a walk and marvel at God's creation and know that sometimes a contrast can be good.