I’ve witnessed snow piling up this winter inch by inch and heard predictions of below freezing temperatures in areas of the nation that have not experienced the effects of winter in years. You never know what a season can bring. The same is true for the seasons of our lives. Sure, we can try to predict them, or we can choose in advance to trust God with each season as it comes.

Scripture teaches that there is a time for every season under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). For parents, this means there is a time to affirm and a time to discipline. There is a time to instruct and a time to merely listen. There is a time to hold tight and a time to let go. Although God orchestrates the seasons of our lives, it is our choice whether or not we prepare to embrace them.

The way you choose to experience each season in life will influence the learning of your child. For example, do you acknowledge adversity as occasions to rely more fully on Christ? Do you embrace unexpected circumstances as opportunities or inconveniences? Do you recognize periods of personal abundance as God’s possible provision for others? Do you equally embrace moments of laughter and tears, teaching your child that God uses all circumstances to shape him or her into the person God desires them to be?

By choosing to consistently renew your mind with God’s Word, you will be able to embrace every season of life without hesitation. In doing so, you will glorify God and become a living example of trusting Christ to your children.