A Wake-Up Call

It’s that time of year for many of us – kids back to school, a new routine established, and a list of to-do’s. I’m a big fan of the change of seasons (but a change in plans, now that’s another story!)

I love that there are biblical writings about different seasons of life, none better than Ecclesiastes 3. Listen to what Solomon wrote:

 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;

a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.

(Now some of you may have thought the Byrds would be credited for the above with their hit song, “Turn! Turn! Turn!”, but that’s certainly not the case.)

Some view the book of Ecclesiastes as a depressing read. I get that. But I’ve always read this book as a wake-up call. The writer is one of the wisest men to ever live, and he’s reflecting on life at the end of his own. What a gift for us!

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” That’s how this chapter begins – to let us know to expect different seasons of life. There will be seasons to rejoice, and seasons to mourn.

I’ve written in a previous newsletter about learning to live in the good and bad of life. This journey continues. I’ve not yet arrived…nor will I. But it’s worth honestly engaging in the journey rather than ignoring its existence.

What season of life are you in? Mixed emotions of kids going back to school? Rejoicing in an unexpected blessing? Mourning the loss of a loved one? Feeling ashamed for procrastinating in an important area of life, including money?

Know this – you are not alone. My encouragement to you is to bring others into whichever season you are in. We are not wired to go it alone. Connect with others, share with others, mourn with others, and rejoice with others. Our circumstances may not change, but, as we take these steps, our ability to cope does.

Know this also: There is a Savior who walked this earth and experienced different seasons of life: rejoicing at a wedding, mourning at a death, trusting while suffering. Be comforted in this truth.

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