The end of each year brings with it reflection on our lives, our time, our goals (whether we met them), and where all the days went! Were we able to do what we set out to do, and how can we make sure we do better next year? We are actually encouraged to do this in the Word of God:

"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." — Psalm 90:12 KJV

As we think on how many days we have, or number our days as the Bible puts it, we realize that it does prompt a response from us to "apply our hearts unto wisdom." We need wisdom in order to make the most of every day.

I'm sure you can identify when we say we want to live life well, to cherish and value what really matters, and to give God our ALL — to be whole-hearted toward Him.

We have been talking a lot about these things recently — about our families, God's plan for us, our future, what to make priority, how to live this next year — and every year — with INTENTION. As we have been talking and meditating on this, God brought up some things, and we hope they can be a blessing to you as well.

Here is an in-season word for you:

Seasons, seasons, seasons of life. You've got to know what season you are in and BE THERE. Be the best you in your present season that you can be. Don't be constantly trying to get to the next season. There is something about being too "future me" minded that robs you of "present me" joy and contentment.

Paul learned in whatever state he was in not to be content WITH the situation, but to be content IN the situation.

We all desire to "be more." We all know that there are greater levels of potential to be discovered, that there are places of greater development and maturity in Christ; yet, we can fall into the "I'm not yet where I want to be" trap that keeps us frustrated and sometimes disappointed with where we presently are.

Looking forward, looking at the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, and tenaciously laying hold of it like a bull dog with a bone — this is how we develop into the fullness, the FULL LIFE of God. Yet we must remember in our passionate drive to DO more for God, He did not just call us to DO, He also called us to BE.

We must learn to BE as much present minded as we are future minded; otherwise, in our quest to finally "arrive" at our ultimate place, and final destination we can miss the absolute beauty of every step we took to get there. Love your steps! Rejoice in your steps! Dance before the Lord in your steps! Every step counts. Every step makes up the journey, and every season makes up the life. LIVE in your season! OWN your season! Whether it's finishing school, or being a stay at home mom, or taking a new job, or moving to a new city, or being a wife, or starting a ministry, or making changes in your weight & lifestyle choices!

God is not disappointed with you because you haven't yet "arrived." My gosh, He is FOR US! He is WITH US! He is our biggest cheerleader! He is the one giving you the grace to do this thing!

We as parents find so much joy, and we are so pleased in seeing our children develop. Every season of their development is precious — not just the end of their days. How much more does God, our Heavenly Father, find joy in seeing us develop through every season of life!?

In all of our thoughts and prayers about making the most of our days, we believe God wants us to apply this wisdom to our hearts:

Know your season and BE THERE. Give God your all each and every day, with each and every step. You can cast the vision, you can write it down and make it plain, you can talk about your future and God's plan for your family; but, the only way you will see the future vision come to pass in your life is to wake up to your present reality every day, and make a decision to live — really LIVE — in that moment with joy & thanksgiving in your heart, doing what God has called you to do, in the place He has called you to be TODAY.

Lord, I lift up whoever is reading this now and I pray that their spiritual eyes would be enlightened to this truth. I pray that it would bring a renewed sense of joy & satisfaction to their present season. I pray that they would see the good stuff in the hard stuff, and that they would mine, and dig up the gold — the precious treasure — in their PRESENT situation. I pray that you would help each one to know their present season. Help them to live in that season, choose to own it, and choose to rejoice in it as they move toward the future that you have for them. What a glorious future that is! I ask these things in the mighty name of JESUS!

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* Individual results may vary.