August is just not as pleasurable for me as the summer months of June and July. In June everything is blooming, birds are singing. In July fruits and vegetables are ripe and baseball season is in full swing. And then, there’s August. It’s the month that requires more effort to water and maintain the flowers and lawn; the time to enjoy the last watermelon of the season; the onset of encouraging my children to exchange summer toys for school back packs. 
August reminds me that, as a human, I am naturally drawn to pleasure and ease. I like those things that come to me easily, that require little effort while producing great pleasure. As a result, I can easily refer to seasons of pleasure and ease as good, while viewing more challenging times as bad. But, this mindset does not reflect the truth of God’s Word.
In Chapter 3 of Ecclesiastes, the Bible teaches that there is a time for every activity under heaven. But more importantly than the season or the activity, is the purpose God has in each of them.
Romans 8:28 tells us: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.
This verse establishes that we can know and trust God’s purpose in adverse or less favorable seasons. Therefore, if we merely look for pleasure, we may miss embracing a challenging season that God has prepared to build His character in us. If we are only attracted to ease, we may avoid the very work that God desires to accomplish in us for His glory.
Imagine, just as God establishes a time and purpose for everything, He also designs the length of each season in our lives; allowing whatever time is necessary to accomplish His will. Although we may prefer one season in our lives over another, we can choose to embrace each one knowing it is part of God’s plan for us.
As a result of changing my mindset to reflect God’s truth, I’m looking forward to enjoying the last days of August and anticipating great purpose in each one!