Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 – 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.
Ecclesiastes is written by Solomon. Solomon was King David’s son and was the one that would build the great temple that the LORD would be worshiped in. When Solomon was young, God told him that he could ask for anything and he would grant it to him; Solomon asked for wisdom. Solomon is the writer of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. All three of these exhibit great intellect and understanding of life, love, war, strategy, philosophy, and the arts. We can read in the Bible that there has never been a king as wise…or as wealthy…as King Solomon.
In this passage, we read and acknowledge what so many of us know to be true. There are rhythms in life. It’s pretty easy to see that life can resemble a song. There are times when things are fast paced and the tempo just keeps getting faster. There are times when the notes are major and you can practically feel the joy in the air around you. There are times when the notes in life are minor and life around us seems like an eternal gray. However, much like listening to a song on the radio or in iTunes, we know there is another song following the one that we are currently listening to. While the rhythm of life that are in may seem overwhelming, we can trust and know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel…and usually it’s not a train.
In the time, season, and rhythm for all these things, we must know when to take the appropriate action for each. When it is time mourn…mourn. When it’s time to dance, stop mourning. We must be there and present in the moment and what the moment calls for. We must also be mature enough in our faith and in our lives to know when to move on from a time or season. Like I said, when it’s time to dance, stop mourning.
Being self aware is important. Today and this week, acknowledge whatever rhythm or season of life that you find yourself in. Ask God to help you rest in knowing that he will lead you through the good times and the bad. We can take great comfort in knowing that God is still on his throne, he still loves us, and his grace is still enough no matter what season we find ourselves in.
Love the reminder “when it’s time to dance, stop mourning.”
Just what I needed to hear this morning as I begin my planning for the next couple of months! Aging parents bring life changes that no one is ever quite prepared to accept. But the beauty of this rythem in time…in this moment…I see how loving, how sweet, how tender my mother is, and has been her whole life. I am able to see it more clearly than ever before. What a joy it is to be with her…to hold her hand, to smile into her eyes and see her smile back even though she rarely speaks anymore, and to tell her what a great mom she’s been…it’s an everlasting time of sharing, loving, and reflecting that comes and goes so quickly. If you’re moving too fast, and not appreciating and living in the present moment, you will miss that sweet opportunity for a lifetime memory that will bring comfort till the end of your days.