“There is a time for everything, and a season for
every activity under the heavens.”
Ecclesiastes 3: 1 (NIV)
As God’s masterful hues of red, yellow, and orange darken to brown crunchy leaves beneath my feet, I lend an ear to the chorus of cackling geese overhead. It is here that I’m reminded of Ecclesiastes 3: 1 which reads, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Perhaps like you, as I walk toward the end of this autumn season, and reflect back with a grateful heart to carefree days and memories painted under the sun, I realize I am not the same. Ever so grateful for God’s goodness and work in my life, I can’t help but carry the loss of what once was along with the ordinary challenges that keep coming my way.
On some level I wish that one subtle change like trading ice tea or coffee for a steaming beverage in just the right sized mug to warm my hands would be enough to anchor a sense of new normalcy as I cross from one season into the next. However, my mature faith reminds me that you and I are in a constant state of transition. It’s never just about the weather outside. It’s about the condition inside of our hearts.
Calm and tranquil one moment, and stormy the next, our lives can be turned upside down in a matter of minutes.
If we’re honest, when tough times hit, you and I need to linger a while longer. Having to face situations that seem contrary to what we think God’s plan should be, often leaves us sad, angry, and confused.
It is here that Solomon points out that the difficulty you and I face is part of the cycle of life which is meant to draw us closer to God, and in doing so our relationship with him deepens.
Solomon’s general observation states: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace” (Ecc 3: 1-8).
Accepting birth and death along with what cannot be changed, opens our hearts and lifts our eyes to the One who orchestrates our entire existence.
Trusting in God’s perfect timing, we can let go and let God take us by the hand. Rejoicing, laughing, praising, and dancing with mountaintop experiences, and seeking divine wisdom and grace to resist temptation and evil actions in the valleys of life, allows you and I to cling to the Father to live with eternity in mind.
Come now, my friend. Knowing God is the Author of Life, changes everything.
Let’s pray.
Loving God,
Thank you for the gift of time and our ability to look back upon our lives to seek out patterns that have helped us to grow in your love. Guide us this day inward so that we may see your face clearly and trust that you are the author of our days. As we navigate to fulfill our life’s purpose, no matter what season we find ourselves in, help us to look inside our hearts. Open our eyes to see the beauty of your creation. Show us ways to really look at the miracle of those we love and hold dear. Teach us to linger with you: to stop and know that you are God, the author of our days. For your Word tells us, “In your hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind” (Job 12: 10).
Amen.
Thank you, sweet friend, for being here.
Until next time…
May the Spirit of God lead you, the Word of God sustain you, and the promises of God grant you the gift of everlasting peace.
Sending you love and peace.
This week’s Question for Reflection:
*God’s timing is not our timing. What is God helping you discover this season? How has this strengthened your faith?
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Sue Dick, Author of Nourish Your Soul: 7 Secrets for Women Seeking Peace
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