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For everything, the Bible informs us, there is a season. Dr. Harold Spangler of Greensboro might be described as a man for all seasons.

As a pediatrician for more than 30 years, he probably saw thousands of babies after they were born and then kept them well, bringing much joy to families. He also was there when children became very ill and some died. During those times he had to comfort the parents.

He experienced great personal tragedy when his beloved first wife, Trudy, died of ovarian cancer in 1995.

Spangler is an inspiring teacher of the Bible. For 25 years, he taught the Asbury Sunday School Class at Christ United Methodist Church.

Thurman Freeze has known Spangler well for about 50 years and was one of his Asbury Class students.

"Spangler enlightened us with new scripture every Sunday. He interpreted as he felt we should know the Bible. His lessons taught many young couples of the '60s that God should be the center of their lives and families."

Freeze recalls one particular Sunday morning when a couple apologized for being late to class. "I guess it's human to mess up sometime," one said.

"Harold's eyes flashed," said Freeze, "and with his understanding smile," he said, "'But to be human is to be divine. Each of us is one of God's creations. Be proud to be a human who loves God.'"

Freeze said Spangler's sons, David and Tim, "seem to be cut out of the same mold as their father.

"Even today I may hear one of them speaking, and then I turn around, expecting to see Harold, but it will be Tim or David thoroughly explaining what a particular project might accomplish for our church."

In reflection, now at age 83, he feels that teaching the Asbury Class was one of the most meaningful periods in his entire life.

Through his teaching, he looked more closely at life and what is really important. This introspection and observation of the world inspired him to write poetry on many different subjects.

The dedication in one of his three poetry books says, "To all those of the Sunday School classes I have taught, who stimulated me to condense my thoughts into poetic statements."

The dedication also said, "To all those who appreciate poetry as a better way to express the beauty of nature, the nearness of God and the dearness of friends."

In his other two poetry books, there is a special dedication to his five children and his 14 grandchildren. His grandchildren drew illustrations to go with the poetry in his books.

Spangler is a joyful man and has a smile that starts in his eyes and then wraps around his entire face.

He is a talented singer, and over the years has enjoyed singing in choirs, at church events and other gatherings. He once sang with the Don Trailer Singers of Greensboro and performed with them at the Greensboro Coliseum.

After his retirement at age 60 in 1985, he and his family moved to Meadows of Dan in Virginia on the Blue Ridge Parkway. They purchased three acres of scenic property with a spring-fed lake and transformed a log cabin farm house, built in 1826, into a delightful bed and breakfast, which lasted until Trudy's death.

Later he had the joy of finding another soulmate, Martha, a retired missionary nurse with whom he continues to share his life and great passions for living. They married in 1997.

Spangler said he felt second-blessed with his marriage to Martha Robison.

They have much in common, especially their strong faith in God. They are teachers of the Bible, desire to help less fortunate people and have a great love of family. They've lived in Greensboro full time since 2006.

One of the Bible verses Harold Spangler said he tries to live by is Romans 8:37-39. "In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Spangler said Thanksgiving has always been a special time for him.

"It's a time to count all my blessings and give God thanks. That is something we should all do every day of our lives. I am often aware of how many persons do not know how blessed they are and hence give no praise to God. Perhaps knowing how blessed I am is yet another blessing."

After Thanksgiving, people will begin preparing for Christmas, and you can be sure that Harold Spangler will be asked to sing his signature holiday song, "It's Christmas in America."

Contact Peggy Longmire by sending her e-mail to rlongmire@triad.rr.com or call her at 288-9040.