A recent article in the NY Times declared that New York actually has 12 seasons. They humorously listed winter, Fool’s spring, a second winter, Spring Deception, a third winter, The Pollening, Actual Spring, summer, Hell’s Front Porch, False Fall, Second Summer and Actual Fall.

And apparently Japan has 72 microseasons. These seasons “offer a poetic journey through the Japanese year in which the land awakens and blooms with life and activity before returning the slumber.” The dates are incredibly detailed, including when fish emerge from the ice, when hibernating insects surface, the dates for the first cherry blossoms and when the wild geese will fly north.

The Bible has a lot to say about seasons as well. Solomon tells us that there is a season for every activity under the heavens (Ecc. 3:1). Daniel tells us that wisdom and power belong to God and He changes the times and seasons as He wills (Dan. 2:21). Paul urged Timothy to be ready to share the gospel and correct, or encourage, in season and out of season (II Tim. 4:2).

But my favorite verse regarding seasons is found in Proverbs 15. In the KJV, verse 15 might be rendered: “A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is.” My NIV version states, “A person finds joy in giving an apt reply and how good is a timely word.”

Both versions highlight the sweetness of “an apt reply.”  This is a word, a comment, a suggestion, an encouragement delivered at just the right moment, in just the right “season.”

I am thinking that this week you and I ought to look around our world and see if this might be the best “season” to share a word of encouragement with a friend, a co-worker, or someone in our neighborhood. Who might be needing a moment of our time, a bit of our attention, a kind word, a friendly hug or a warm handshake?

It is relatively easy to spot those folks. Just watch their eyes. Are they staring at the ground a lot? Just listen to the tone of their voices. Do their sentences tail off at the end? Do they lack their usual “zip?”

Maybe it’s time for a “apt word.” “I see you. I hear you. I care about you. Please share some more. Tell me how I can help. What can I do today to lift your burden?”

It is the right season to say all those things!