Each season knows its own urgency. There is a unique priority. The order of operations is adjusted accordingly. What season are you in? What demands your attention at this moment? What is your best next step? How do you manage the rhythm of planning and review?

Jesus knew the timeline between where he stood on his way to Jerusalem and the cross (9:51). He was making his last walk through those villages and towns. He would not come back until he had finished what he had come to complete. Harvest season had fully arrived. The time for decision had come. The moment of all moments was at hand.

Like crops that had to be gathered before the rains, people everywhere along the way needed to know the Good News of the Kingdom of God. John Wooden, the legendary UCLA basketball coach, loved to tell his players, “Be quick, but don’t hurry.” It sounds like he learned this from Jesus. 

Again, what season are you in? 

Is this a season of education and training in preparation for new opportunities?

Is this a season of prioritization and planning for significant projects?

Is this a season of harvest where multiplied results are received and celebrated?

Is this a season of evaluation and reorganization?

The more clearly we can identify the season, the more productive and effective we can live within it. 

Please know if nothing has changed substantially in a long, long time, this may not be a season. This may be a rut. 

Who do you need to help you assess your season? Consider these four questions from Tom Paterson:

1. What’s Right? (Optimize it)
2. What’s Wrong? (Fix it)
3. What’s Confused? (Clarify it)
4. What’s Missing? (Add it)

As Paterson taught so many in different fields of endeavor, perspective comes before planning. You have to know where you stand before you determine your best next steps.

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I will assess my season so that I can take my best next steps.