Over the last year, I visited the ocean on several occasions and it was very surprising how very different it was depending on the day!

Somedays, it was perfectly calm and gentle, a picture of perfect tranquility. Other times, the water was so rough and wavy that I stood in awe at its power as I watched it crash against the sand. As I reflected on the various patterns and fluctuations of the ocean recently, I began to think about how similar our life can be to an ocean. Sometimes, it seems in life that everything is calm and in order and just perfect! It's peaceful and there are no waves. However, on other occasions, our life can seem to be spinning out of control. It can seem that we are thrashing back and forth, being rocked from side to side and barely able to hang on. As I have been in thought about the beginning of the new year, the scripture came to my heart, "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted." Ecc. 3:3

While it may seem very unsettling to know that we go through many seasons in this journey called life, it is also very reassuring to know that God has an order and a season for each of us. God knows every step He has for us before we ever take it and He has plans of good for our life. Jeremiah 29:11 states, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."

His word is very comforting to me as we begin the journey of another new year! He has a promised season for each of our lives and no matter what we experience, if He is ordering our steps, we will be okay! If it is smooth and sunny as He leads us, enjoy that season! If life seems to be rough and rocky, allow Him to navigate the journey through the bumpy patches, knowing that He has a plan for good in your life! I close with one of my favourite verses, Romans 8:28 which says, "and we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. May the Lord continue to bless you this year!