To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. …

— Ecclesiastes 3:1

There are many seasons as we journey through this trek called life. As I celebrated another birthday (would you believe 29 and holding?) I took time to think about the many highs and lows of my lifetime.

Just being born was an answer to prayer. Mom told me how much she wanted a girl and when I was born my grandfather came in and announced, “Well, we have ourselves a girl!” Mom said she cried because she was so happy.

The springtime of my life had its share of challenges and it wasn’t until I was 14 that I asked Jesus to come into my heart. Compared with others I knew, I felt so much older and wished I understood at a younger age.

How I admire children who come to know Jesus so young. Just this week I had the honor of watching one of my special little friends being baptized. Little Jonathon accepted Jesus at Vacation Bible School this summer at 8 years of age. He knew he wanted to be baptized, but waited because he wanted his dad to be there. That wasn’t to be as Jonathon’s dad is serving our country in Iraq and won’t be home for quite some time. Finally, it was decided to baptize Jonathon and videotape it so his dad could see it. I am so proud of this young man that I have watched grow up from a tiny baby.

With the summers of our life we complete our schooling, which for many of us means getting married and raising a family. What a blessing it is to find a spouse who loves the Lord with all their heart, soul, and might. (See Deuteronomy 6:5) Placing the Lord first in your life gets you through the rough spots whether you are single or married, have children or are childless.

Next comes the fall of your life (the stage I am in) when hopefully you have matured spiritually and minister more to others in need. This season of life isn’t without its challenges as we experience more health issues. This is the season of life when we can confidently declare that God will meet all of our needs. (Philippians 4:19)

Finally comes winter when we know we won’t be on this Earth much longer. That doesn’t mean we are through serving God. After all, Abraham and Moses were still serving the Lord when they were well advanced in years.

The apostle Paul stated many times that his time on this Earth was coming to an end. Even then he talked about the purpose Jesus had for him on this Earth. (2 Timothy 1:8-10)

So, as you can see, we all have a purpose and an opportunity to serve the Lord no matter what season of life we are in. Learn to enjoy and make the most of every season.

Debra Whittington is a longtime resident of Tucumcari. Contact her at:

dawhittington@msn.com