A Time for Everything

Ecclesiastes 3, well known as the “time for everything” chapter, spoke to me this late summer/early fall.  Verses 1-8 are found here:

“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven:  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, 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.”

My battery seemed to be tired.  I took time to refresh, recharge, reflect, and recommit to God.  I attended one of my favorite cousin’s Memorial, had a terrific and sometimes trying time with a new puppy, hosted a family reunion, and had a blast with friends in Canada fishing.  I read from my stack of books and made quilts; in the process, I healed my weary body and spirit.

Verses 12 and 13 of Ecclesiastes 3 says, ” I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.  That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil-this is the gift of God.”  God’s love surrounds all of us.  Pr. Kathy Graves remarked that “we are called to accompany each other in this journey of life, seeing and caring for one another.  We are directed to a life of service in which we give of ourselves to do good.”

Finding meaning in our lives requires that we remember that there is a “time for everything”.  I hope you’ve taken the necessary time to refresh, recharge, reflect, and recommit to the Lord.

Lord, let us be happy and contented with our paths, and every try to do your work for the good of others.  Please open our eyes so that we can see our gifts and serve others, transformed through Christ as your servants and disciples.  Amen.