“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.”–Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NIV)
I find this passage helpful as I reflect on the seasons I have gone through in life and the things I face now. I have walked through many of the times the writer describes. Some seasons I welcomed, and others I “just got through”, much like a stubborn donkey being dragged by its bridle. Do you have seasons where you just hit the “Snooze” button? Yeah, me too. Seasons that were painful and you just want to forget, so you go through them on autopilot, before you are awakened and a new season is before you.
I remember a difficult season as a young stay-at-home-mom…a season where the demands of a small child conflicted with my desires to go back to work. I wanted it all–career, family, everything. I remember a wise older woman friend telling me “You can have it all, but just not all at once.” I have met many women who are trying to have it all at once, and I tried for awhile too. I can say over the years that I have had it all, but I have learned to appreciate the seasons I find myself in, though I have often struggled with them as well. And I have found even more peace and contentment when I don’t try to cram all the times and seasons together… when I don’t try to have it all at once. It allows me to focus on what is most important…right now.
My season now involves caring for older teens and being a support to my parents who are struggling with health issues. Some call this being the “sandwich generation”. My friend recently saw a sign outside a local church that said, “Whatever is around the corner, God is already there.” I am thankful for a God who is timeless, who is waiting for me around the corner in each season of life, who walks through each and every time and season with me. Despite happy and painful times, I do not have to be afraid, because He has been faithful and is waiting to walk with me.
What season or time are you facing today? Is it a smooth and easy season or one of troubles and challenge? Embrace the season, knowing God is at your side. Pray for ways to be fully present in the season, knowing whatever comes your way, you don’t have to push the Snooze button!
Prayer- “God of all time, my life on earth is so short compared to eternity. Help me rest in you during challenging times in life, and rejoice in happy times, knowing you are always with me. Open my eyes to ways you are working in my life in each season, and help me to see that no matter what, you are always right around the corner waiting for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”
Prayer For All Days 