Experts tell us seasons are the result of the tilt of the Earth's axis. The Earth's axis is tilted from perpendicular to the plane of the ecliptic by 23.45 degrees. This tilting gives us the four seasons of the year - spring, summer, autumn (fall) and winter. Different parts of the globe are affected at different times of the year.
Summer is warmer than winter because the rays of the Sun hit at a more direct angle. Days are also longer than nights during the summer. The changes in seasons are more dramatic in parts of our country. Where we live winters are generally mild. In the Northern parts of our land they are dramatic.
Which is the favorite? It depends. I like them all, but summer least. We have just ushered in Autumn or Fall. It came in with a weak Norther. The weather change has been delightful. It does remind us that Winter is coming.
The seasons of life are much the same. Retirement years, to me, are Fall. We had a great time in the early Fall of our lives. We were blessed with health allowing us to travel in an old RV around parts of the country we had never seen. We came to love the mountains of our West. We saw the wild sheep and horses and even bears. We watched a pack of wolves in Yellowstone. It was wonderful! Each day and month and year bring us closer to Winter. It is our last season, no matter how long we live.
Winter is when life appears to be asleep. Leaves tumble down. Grasses turn brown and appear dead. Birds sing less and many relocate. Icy cold bites the thin skin. Skies can turn grey and days become brief and dark.
Is the winter of our life all there is? I am glad to know and believe it is not. In God's great plan there is Spring and new life following the Winter. So it is. We have Hope and Promise in Him. That makes Fall a good season. The days are shorter but soon will become eternal.
Jesus said to His disciples: "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons which the Father has put in His own power...." . Our Winter may arrive early. It may delay so there is Summer in December. We simply do not know. It is in the Creator's hands. So we go in faith each day to see what God has in store for us.