| This season of the year I always make
it a point to read the book of Ecclesiastes.
With all that is happening in my life,
it has been especially applicable.
"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
So many aspects of life converging: I helped
my sister move my parents into an assistant living facility. Another step
has been taken by my parents as they progress through life. Uprooted from
their home they had to decide what to keep and what to throw away. Not
an easy thing to do.
My daughter was on leave from Iraq at the
same time. I was torn between spending what little free time I had helping
my parents or spending time with my daughter who too soon would be shipped
back to a war zone.
Through it all, God's word reassures me
that this is all just part of life.
"Generations come and generations
go,
but the earth remains
forever.
The sun rises and the sun sets,
and hurries back to
where it rises.
The wind blows to the south
and turns to the north;
round and round it goes,
ever returning on its
course.
All streams flow into the sea,
yet the sea is never
full.
To the place the streams come from,
there they return again."
Ecclesiastes 1:4-7
My part is to remember the whole duty of man.
"Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion
of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the whole
duty of man.
For God will bring every deed into
judgment,
including every hidden
thing,
whether it is good
or evil." Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
We all need to remember that no matter what
stage of life we are at or whatever is happening in our lives, we are to
fear God and keep his commandments.
We must remember our Creator in all things
we do.
"However many years a man
may live,
let him enjoy them
all.
But let him remember the days of
darkness,
for they will be many.
Everything to come
is meaningless.
Be happy, young man, while you are
young,
and let your heart
give you joy in the days of your youth.
Follow the ways of your heart
and whatever your eyes
see,
but know that for all these things
God will bring you
to judgment.
So then, banish anxiety from your
heart
and cast off the troubles
of your body,
for youth and vigor
are meaningless.
Remember your Creator
in the days of your
youth,..." Ecclesiastes 11:13-14;12:1
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