Seasons of life and pilgrimage with Jesus have distinctives at each stage.

From the promise and learning of beginning, to the energy and productiveness of the season of strength, to the ....what???? of the senior/autumn season. 

I purposely placed uncertainty in the senior/autumn season because that season is often unclear to senior pilgrims. Further the transition of leaving the season of strength to that of senior is also marked with uncertainty. 

Therefore I wanted to post a series of observations from my Scripture readings regarding senior/autumn season and transtition that I hope are helpful.

Firstly, leaving the season of strength.

There is a little known account in the life of King David when he encountered the reality that the season of strength was over for him. 2 Samuel 21:15-17 

A normal day of battle and David donned his armour, took his weapons and led his troops as he had done for years. Adrenaline pumping and with that deep sense of comradeship that comes with facing danger with a trusted team David engaged the enemy. However on this day things went drastically wrong. Confronted by an enemy warrior much younger and stronger David was being overpowered. The movements and speed that had been his hallmark were not there, and the younger man moved in to kill the King. It was only the intervention of his own soldiers that saw David survive the day.

That night his senior troops, all younger men in their prime met with the King to have a long overdue uncomfortable conversation.

"King" they said, "with all due respect we have something we want to tell you. After what happened today, and what we have observed nearly happening in the last year or so we do NOT want you to come into battle with us again". And this was not up for discussion.

The men left and David for some time was left in a state of discomfort that is common for this experience.

David was exiting that which gave him identity and reputation, his strength, and was left with feelings and thoughts that were deeply uncomfortable...

Who am I? What is my place now? What do the troops think of me? If I can't lead in battle what use am I? Where is the power of the anointing I had on me since Samuel's day? I miss being with the men. What sort of King am I now? 

These are common questions and emotions in the loss of that season. King David was no exception.

Recently, albeit with a lesser issue, I have had to face leaving this season myself. The brass band that I play in has reached a high level of performance. Winning contests and promotion it is an exciting group to be part of. However cancer operations of late (and getting older!!) have meant I have had to accept the fact I do not have the strength and stamina required anymore. It is a painful reality and loss to accept. Not strong enough!!

So David was left sitting alone with this stark unremitting finish.

Yet the young leaders in their confrontation with the King had made a comment which, when David remembered it, made all the difference.

More of that next posting.