As autumn approaches, the world around you transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of colors. Leaves, once a vibrant green, begin to turn golden, crimson, and amber, creating a picturesque landscape that symbolizes change.
For you, as a military spouse, the changing seasons offer a powerful metaphor for the various stages of life you navigate—each with its own beauty, challenges, and opportunities for growth.
Just as the leaves must change color and eventually fall, so too do you experience seasons in your life, where faith and spirituality provide the strength and resilience needed to embrace each transition.
The Spring of New Beginnings
Think back to when you first began your journey as a military spouse.
Perhaps it was filled with the excitement of new beginnings, much like the vibrant greens of spring. During this season, you may have experienced the thrill of fresh opportunities, new friendships, and the hope that comes with embarking on a new adventure.
It’s a season of growth and renewal, where everything feels possible. Your faith may have felt strong and unwavering, like the budding flowers pushing through the earth, eager to bloom.
In these moments, you may have relied on your spirituality to guide you through the uncertainties and the unknown. Just as the warmth of the sun encourages the earth to bring forth life, your faith nurtured your spirit, helping you to adapt to the ever-changing military lifestyle.
You learned to lean on your beliefs, finding comfort in prayer, scripture, or meditation, knowing that you were being prepared for the seasons ahead.
The Summer of Flourishing
As time passed, you may have entered a season of flourishing, akin to the fullness of summer.
This is a time when you feel established, rooted in your community, and confident in your role as a military spouse. The friendships you’ve cultivated, the routines you’ve established, and the sense of belonging you’ve found all contribute to the vibrancy of this season.
During this time, your faith might feel like the abundant sunshine of summer—steady, warm, and ever-present. It’s a season where you can give generously of yourself, supporting others, and nurturing the relationships that have become so vital to your well-being.
You may find yourself more deeply connected to your spiritual practices, finding joy in the everyday moments and celebrating the blessings that surround you.
But even in the fullness of summer, there is a sense of anticipation, knowing that change is inevitable.
Just as the days gradually grow shorter, you may begin to sense that a new season is on the horizon—one that will bring its own set of challenges and opportunities for growth.
The Autumn of Transformation
And then, there comes a season of transformation—the autumn of your life as a military spouse.
This is a time of change, much like the leaves that turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold before gently falling to the ground.
It’s a season of letting go, whether that means saying goodbye to friends who have become like family, preparing for a new duty station, or adjusting to life after deployment.
For me, autumn always brings to mind the stunning yellow aspen trees in Colorado.
As a military spouse, I’ve moved many times, but nothing quite compares to the anticipation of seeing those aspens each fall. The sight of entire mountainsides covered in bright yellow leaves, glowing against the clear blue sky, is a reminder of the beauty that comes with change.
Even knowing that those leaves will eventually fall, there’s a peace in the process—trusting that the trees will stand strong through the winter and burst forth with new life in the spring.
In this season of transformation, your faith becomes even more critical. Like the sturdy trunk of a tree, your spiritual foundation must remain strong as you weather the winds of change.
You might find yourself relying on prayer more than ever, seeking solace in your relationship with God or in the support of your faith community.
This is a time to remember that, just as the trees must shed their leaves to prepare for the new growth of spring, you too must release certain aspects of your life to make room for what lies ahead.
Autumn is also a season of reflection and gratitude.
As you watch the leaves fall, you may find yourself reflecting on the journey you’ve traveled, the lessons you’ve learned, and the ways in which you’ve grown. It’s a time to be grateful for the blessings of the past and to trust that God has a plan for your future, even if that path is not yet clear.
The Winter of Rest and Renewal
Finally, there is the winter season—a time of rest, reflection, and renewal.
This might be a period where you feel called to retreat, to slow down, and to care for yourself and your family.
It’s a season where your faith sustains you through the quiet, cold days, reminding you that after every winter, there is always a spring.
In winter, your spirituality may take on a different form—one of quiet contemplation, deep prayer, or simply resting in the presence of God.
It’s a time to renew your spirit, to gather strength for the seasons ahead, and to trust that, just as the earth rests before bursting forth with new life, you too are being prepared for the next chapter of your journey.
Reflecting on Your Seasons
As you consider the seasons of your life as a military spouse, take a moment to reflect on these questions:
- Which season do you find yourself in right now, and how is your faith supporting you through it?
- What are some of the “leaves” in your life that you may need to let go of in order to embrace the new growth God has in store for you?
- How can you deepen your spiritual practices to stay rooted and grounded, no matter what season you’re in?
Remember, just as the seasons change, so too will your life continue to evolve. Through it all, your faith is the anchor that holds you steady, guiding you through each transition with grace, strength, and hope.
Embrace the beauty of each season, knowing that with God by your side, you are never alone on this journey.
Chaplain (MAJ) Joseph R. Mason, of Salem, OR serves as the Deputy Division Chaplain for 4th Infantry Division, and is stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado. He entered the Army in 2002 through Officer Candidate School, receiving a commission in the Ordnance Corps.
He is married to his wife of 21 years, Candace. Together they have four children: Wyatt (18), Owen (16), Ruby (13), and Chloe Joy (8).
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