Psalm 1:3
They are like trees planted along the riverbank, 
bearing fruit each season. 
Their leaves never wither, 
and they prosper in all they do. (NLT)

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My aunt’s funeral last week reminded me that I am in a different season of life. Looking around the funeral home during the visitation, across the faces gathered at the graveside, and in the restaurant after the service, what I saw reminded me how different this moment is than what came before. 

There is much that can be said about this station and how it came to be, and there is even more that can be said about where things go from here. This, however, misses the point of this installment. 

Psalm 1 should find a firm lodging place in our memories. This is particularly true for verse 3 above. We should bear fruit at each age and stage of our lives, in each season of our souls. 

What we did before and all we accomplished have led us to this place. What’s next? For some of us, there is a narrowing taking place. Focus replaces broadness. Simplicity replaces unrestrained interest. 

For others, there is a broadening and deepening. The world grows bigger, and its bigness is ready for exploration and reshaping. 

There are seasons of our lives just as there are seasons of the year. 

There are seasons of our spirits just as there are seasons of our physical capacities. 

It’s good to recognize the season for what it is, and for what it means. 

What’s your season? What’s your life stage? What does this make possible?

What fruit is your life bearing and sharing? How are you staying alive and growing? How are you prospering beyond outward signs of material blessings? How are you experiencing renewal, refreshment, and readiness to gladden the heart of God and all those he loves?

Summertime settled in a few days ago. It’s the season I loved most for so long. Its opportunities and pleasures are fresh once again. Its promises are in play. How will you make the most of these days, and in particular, this day? 

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I will enjoy this season and live fruitfully within it.

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Our Father, please make me fruitful and effective in this season. May this be true for the season delineated on the calendar and for the season of my life. Keep me green and growing. Make me prosperous in how I honor you and serve others. Amen.