A Mixture of Ups and Downs

A solitary pink hollyhock blooms amidst dry grass on the roadside.

How is your summer? Is it going as expected or is it deviating from your expectations? Are you wondering where did it go wrong or are you in a place where you are rejoicing because everything has gone to plan?

We all go through seasons of rejoicing and seasons of sorrow. When you are in a season of rejoicing be intentional in being thankful because you will not always be in a season of rejoicing. Each season strengthens you for the next. When you are in a season of rejoicing, appreciate each moment, be thankful and treasure every moment as this is what will sustain you when you are in a contrasting season such as sorrow. When you are in a season of sorrow you also take away strength as you come through on the other side or the next stage feeling stronger than you felt before.

There will be young people, their parents and guardians who will be expectant when the GCSEs and A Level results are released this month. Some will surpass their expectations; others will be disappointed because what they expected is not the reality. If you are in the group of not getting what you expected for your next steps, don’t despair it is not the end of the world. It is just a stumbling block in your journey of life. If you are in the group of getting more than you expected, be thankful and remember that you will not always be rejoicing because life is a mixture of ups and downs.

When I watch sports it really drives it home how life is a mixture of ups and downs; the team who wins this week will lose next week. The fans who were sad this week because their team lost will be happy and rejoicing next week because last week they were down and now they are up. We should always have sympathy for others when they are going through a rough time as sooner or later we will find ourselves in a similar position not because we are negative but because we need the ups and downs of life to strengthen and sharpen us to be thankful, be more appreciative and make us stronger.

I was out and about this week when I noticed this lonely plant with a single flower surrounded by dry and desolate grass on the side of the road. (See picture at top of screen) I had to stop and take a picture because it reminded me that even though there has only been few drops of rain in over a month this plant was surviving, I would even go so far as to say thriving because it was healthy, still doing what it is supposed to do, bringing forth flowers, doing the impossible under the dire circumstances. It reminded me of the bible verse which says in Matthew 6:30 “And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won’t he more surely care for you, O men of little faith?” (Living Bible) You are much more valuable to God compared to this flower, I am much more valuable to God than this flower. If God can take care of this plant then he will definitely take care of you in whatever circumstances you find yourself.

I could have dug up this plant on the side of the road, taken it home and put it in a pot, water it and give it all the loving care it needs and it could have died. Why because it was right where it needed to be for God to take care of it. I would have given it too much water or too much plant food or the environment at my home would not have suited it, too much sun or not enough sun. Sometimes, you are right where you are supposed to be until God moves you. Don't move before he does.

I ask you again, how is your summer? If its not going as you expected then don’t lose hope. The timing is not right. Next summer might seem far away but it would probably be the right timing for your expectations to be met. I think of the young people who last summer did not get the results they expected and had to change their plans. This summer they are stronger, more appreciative and in a better place because they had to stop and reevaluate their plans and expectations and now they find themselves with better options.

Parents and guardians be there for your young person as they navigate this result season. Remember that your era and theirs is completely different. Don’t think that you understand what they are going through or gone through. Sometimes just being a good listener is all they need if results are not as expected.

As usual I love hearing from you, share your comments with me