On a recent trip to the grocery store, a lovely arrangement of pumpkins greeted me at the door. Once I was inside, pumpkin pecan oatmeal made its way into my shopping cart. A few more steps and displays later, it was obvious. I was in the middle of a pumpkin takeover.

As a lover of all things autumn, I know this winter squash is synonymous with the season. Merchants (and fellow fall fanatics) relish the opportunity to flaunt the gourd’s flavor, fragrance, or image. And yet, this full embrace of the season teaches me a few things about the seasons of our lives.

We might not define our current circumstances by a flavor or fragrance takeover. Instead, we may be overwhelmed with factors within or outside of our control. Besides the changing colors of leaves on the trees, what else is changing in our current season? Perhaps we’re painfully aware of certain challenges or tightening our grip on cherished blessings.

And yet, whether we feel like we’re in a cycle of frustration or a season of potential, there is a grace perspective.

I realize infusing pumpkin flavor into coffee is easier than finding joy in challenging times. Our complex world is full of signals pointing us to seasons of success and the fulfillment of our dreams. When those signals fail, it’s easy to settle into a season of doubt, discouragement, or despair.

But if I define my life by one season, I’ll miss how God’s grace flows through every season of my life.

Since He is the Giver of every good and perfect gift, I believe He delights in seeing us enjoy seasons of delight. (see James 1:17)

And yet, as our Redeemer, He sees us in our sin and suffering and offers His salvation and peace. (Ephesians 1:3-10)

When we’re in need, He is our Refuge. (Psalm 62:8)

For even when happiness is no longer on display, I can still grow in God’s grace.

In the store that day, I could see the pumpkin product line was not missing its growth opportunities. Loaves of brioche boasted its flavor. Candles invited customers to take their pumpkin-spiced fragrance into a cozy space.

“ But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere” (2 Corinthians 2:14 ESV).

The seasons of our lives invite us into the process of learning how God’s grace and truth renews and sustains us. As we become fragrant with the knowledge of Him, we take the fruit of that knowledge into our experiences and out into the world.

I see you pumpkin — from the produce section to frozen foods. But I’m declaring a grace takeover. I invite God’s strength to take over my weakness. I believe His plan will eclipse my problems. I trust His timing to top my preferences. May His glory be put on full display.

Pray: Dear God, thank You for the power of Your grace in Christ. I never face a season alone or without Your promises. As I embrace my current season, thank You for holding me. May Your grace and mercy takeover and take me into Your glorious will, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Joy to the Soul:  If I define my life by one season, I’ll miss how God’s grace flows through every season of my life.