By Pedro Fernandes

By Wendy Choy-Chan

The trees outside my window are changing colors. My daughter is happily taking the sweaters out of her closet, while I am dreading about having less daylight and more rain. As each season approaches, we make adjustments. Sometimes, just when we have settled in with the changes, another season comes. Sometimes, on the other hand, we get tired of the same old season, and we gladly welcome the next.

Life is often described as seasons. Born into spring, growing into summer, slowing down into fall, and then finally winter leading to the end of life. Perhaps, I would be at the end of summer, transitioning into the fall season — the girls are still in school but almost ready to leave the nest. My husband and I had talked about moving into an apartment once both our girls have left for college, and then we could just lock the door and travel the world! However, just as seasons are not linear but cycle and return every year, I find that’s the case with my seasons of life. As God called me into seminary and eventually into ministry, my summer season seems to be starting anew.

After leaving the workforce for almost twenty years, I will be returning to a part-time job at church and also participating in another teaching ministry, amounting to a full time schedule. I recall what it was like the last time around —  fresh out of college, ready to venture into the world. That was my summer season. I couldn’t wait to step into the warm sunshine, into adventure. Everything looked a little intimidating. And being inexperienced and sometimes overly enthusiastic, I made mistakes, in my tasks and in my relationships at work. But “no fear,” for I was ready to conquer. It was the beginning of my summer season after all, full of possibilities.

This second summer is looking to be the same — fresh out of seminary, ready to venture into ministries. I couldn’t wait to get into my car, not to run errands but to say, “I am going to work.” What an adventure it will be. Things still look a little intimidating, but having been through one summer season before, I gained some experience. I know better my priorities and my limits. And so, “keep calm,” for I am ready to conquer. It is the beginning of my second summer after all, full of possibilities.

Seasons of life. I am thankful for having another summer season — to live again in the rush of youthfulness and vitality, but at the same time, having a bit more wisdom and maturity to face what lies ahead. It is indeed a season full of possibilities — no fear, but keep calm.

Wendy Choy-Chan came to North America from Hong Kong when she was 15.  After graduating with a MScE, she worked as a telecommunications engineer for 5 years before becoming a full-time wife and mom.  Wendy just earned her MA in Theology at Fuller Northwest and is looking forward to what God has planned for her next. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Seattle, WA.