When cancer and disease, insomnia and anxiety seem to be ravaging the lives of so many of my friends right now
I have something to say.

Firstly, my heart breaks for you, as I remember what it was like to walk through the seasons of sickness, suffering and death with my mother for 4 years (and wondering if it would ever come to an end, one way or another).

But I say to you:
Hold on baby
Grace is here for you
And more grace is coming.
The season of sickness, suffering and death will surely come to an end.

I woke up this morning to pre-dawn spring. Cherry blossoms fill the streets and there are tiny green buds on the weeping willow trees at Werrington Lake. I personally am in the season of new life and adventure after 4 years of walking with my mother through illness, followed by 2 years of different waves and stages of grief.
I live in Australia where winter is rapidly giving way to spring, but there is no point comparing my stage of life with yours. You don’t live in my world of personal experience.

If you are deep in the season of Winter and you can’t see the end in sight, and you are tempted to give up hope – remember the promise of seasons:
Spring will ALWAYS come again.
And so will Winter (for those of us in Spring).

There is a time for everything
And a season for every activity under the heavens:
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to weep and a time to laugh.
A time to mourn and a time to dance.
A time for war. A time to love.
(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Surely your love will follow me!
(Psalm 23:4,6) Weeping may last throughout the night
But joy comes in the morning.
(Psalm 30:5)

Fix your eyes on Jesus
Who also endured, suffering the cross.
(Hebrews 12:2)

Set your minds on things above
Where your life is hidden with Christ
And He is coming for you!
(Colossians 3:2-4)

Lift up your eyes

Your help comes from Jesus
The Saviour of the world!
(Psalm 121:1-2, John 4:42)

I’m paraphrasing, but I hope this touches someone today.

Hold on baby
Spring is coming
Joy is coming
Jesus is coming for you!