Chaplain's Corner
Post 43 Chaplain Donna Callaway
It’s that time of year- the season where it starts to get cold outside and it becomes dark early, but also the time that is filled with holidays. Some may enjoy this season, but others might not. You may find yourself missing the previous season, or the one before it, where sunlight went until late and the days were warmer. Or this may be a season you have waited for and are happy it’s here. You may have mixed feelings about the season-perhaps loving the holidays but disliking the weather, vice versa, or even mixed feelings about each thing that is a part of the season.
Seasons of our lives are like this too. We may enjoy some more than others. We may look back and miss things from one season, or look forward to the next one. We may love the season we’re in and don’t want it to change.
But seasons always change- and regardless if you like the season you’re in, there’s a purpose for it and something beautiful about it. Even the trying and difficult seasons. Even the ones that seem stagnant or not where you’d like to be. There is always something valuable about each season, whether we see it in the moment or not. It is easy to judge our own lives and others based on a season, but a season is only part of the overall picture.
The Jacaranda tree is a beautiful example of this. Most of the year, it likely wouldn’t capture your attention. Then, all of a sudden in the spring, it blooms and is full of these breathtaking lavender colored flowers. Some Jacarandas may even have years they do not bloom, but do end up blooming again in the future. In the seasons they are not in bloom, their beauty and splendor may be overlooked, because it is not obvious what these trees are capable of in those seasons, and it’s not their season to bloom. But they are still just as special and valuable, just as capable, and still have the blooms in their future, no matter what they look like in the dormant seasons.
The process of growing a plant is an example that showcases why every season is important and has a purpose. When you first plant a seed, you see nothing other than dug up dirt. You may not even see grass in the ground- so from the surface it appears the season is stagnant or lifeless. But it is far from that. It is the beginning of life!
Following the planting, the seed is growing, and in that season the watering and nurturing of the growing seed is important- but the season still looks like nothing is happening with the seed. All you can see is that you are doing the work, but no results. Patience, hope, and trust are important in this season. Although you can’t see it, things are happening.
Then, that seed sprouts up from the ground- and begins the season of visible growth. It is encouraging, but it may also bring impatience as the plant grows into what it is meant to be, but isn’t quite there yet.
The plant eventually reaches its full maturity. That can be a rewarding time because all the hard work paid off to create the plant, but it also may feel strange in ways to rest in that season or just enjoy the moment. The plant will eventually get to the season of its end- but it will nourish the soil and help other things grow in that season.
Each season of plant growth is important, just like each season in our lives and world.
What about if you went to a beach resort during the spring and they had a Christmas tree up? Or a grocery store was full of summer decor in the coldest part of winter? Each of these things has a season-and is perfect in it’s season. Can it be beautiful at other times? Of course. But when it’s the season for it- it’s a perfect fit and the perfect time.
In each season of our individual lives, and of our world and communities, there is purpose, beauty, and a reason for joy. Some things are meant for this season, while others are meant for another season. Rather than judge yourself or others based on the current season, remember each season is part of the bigger picture that you may not see and is special in its own way. Rather than constantly looking back or forward for another season, be present where you are at-try to see the purpose, good, and learn things from the current season.
This passage reminds us of the purpose, beauty, and perfect timing of each season:
““There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
He has made everything beautiful in its time.””
God’s timing is perfect, and He has a reason for all the seasons.
In the right season, you will see the fruit. In the right season, you will experience what it is you are desiring. When you are in those seasons, enjoy them! But also be present in the others, because there’s unique beauty and purpose in them all.
Prayer Requests
Please continue to pray for our members who may have silent or anonymous prayer requests, as well as those who may be mourning or suffering at this time. We have lost several members of our post recently- please continue to keep their families and loved ones in your prayers, and reach out to check on them if you can.
Prayer is powerful and God hears!
As always, if you need prayer or support, please know there are several ways to reach your chaplain. There is a prayer request form you can fill out here: https://form.jotform.com/ChaplainAL43/prayerrequest
You can input as little or as much information as you are comfortable with.
You can also reach out directly to chaplain@post43.org if you'd rather do that.
There are also chaplains for the sons, auxiliary, and riders that are available as well.
If you want to pray but are not sure how to pray, please reach out too. We are happy to guide you to pray alone also!
It's ok to not be ok. You are not alone.
The Suicide and Crisis Hotline is also available 24/7: dial or text 988
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
May peace and comfort surround you. May you and your families be well physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. May God make His presence and love felt in your life, now and always. Shalom, and many blessings to you all!
With Gratitude,
Your Chaplain, Donna Callaway and Assistant Chaplain, Rocio Palmero