The Oxford Seasons (Plural)

I’m a big believer in seasons. That there are distinct seasons of our lives: periods of time marked out by the lessons we learnt, our relationships, our location but most importantly our faith – where we were on the journey. And so, I called this blog The Oxford Season because I knew this would be a season in which I would look back and call it The Oxford Season.

However, I’ve come to realise it really isn’t one season at all but many many seasons. See some seasons of my life have been years in length – not that I’m stagnant but the major changes have been spaced out in time. Other seasons are shorter. This year they’ve lasted a few days to months. I’ve learnt so many lessons over the past 9 months, and as I draw into my final two I’m reflecting on the Oxford Seasons: what have I learnt, the relationships formed and the building of my faith.

There was a season of wrestling.

In January I was in a place I’d never been before, where at times I couldn’t quite honestly look you in the eye and say with conviction that I believed Jesus was the Son of God. Thankfully this season only lasted three weeks. But they were an incredibly formational 3 weeks if not completely horrible and disorientating.

There was a season of silence.

I’ve found throughout my spiritual walk I’ve never really struggled to hear the voice of God. I know that voice anywhere and so when it was silent for a few months at the end of last year leading up to Christmas break I didn’t know what to make of it.

There have been seasons of great friendships.

Seasons where friendships have formed and you remember what it’s like in those early days of getting to know someone who – unbeknown to you – is a friend for life.

There have been many a season of academic confusion and tension.

As you explore the big questions and theologies are discussed, your head swims with questions and not enough answers. And so there have been seasons of denial and constant reflection. Seasons where your brain hurts.

Seasons of falling love with Jesus over and over again each day. Seasons where he reveals a new aspect to his character to you each week and you’ve never felt closer.

Seasons of arguing with God. Seasons of testing some of the lies you’ve believed. Seasons of great fruit in service. Seasons of quiet in ministry.

I’ve come to realise that categorising my life into seasons is trickier than it used to be. I would still say it’s a great way to reflect on the past and look to the future. It allows you to look back with a level of spiritual maturity and look forward with childlike expectation.