For everything there is a season,
A time for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die,
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a times to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to run away.
A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet 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, NLT version
This poem appears in the middle of a great piece of observance and reflection on life written by someone who calls himself the Preacher. We think it’s probably King Solomon because of his references to his life as a king. Nearing the end of his life, the Preacher is taking stock, looking back and reflecting on how it all played out. He records his thoughts as he moves through his memories, most of which bring him despair. He certainly had his reasons, having built a wealthy and powerful kingdom and then see it decline. In the end of his thoughts, he arrives at a conclusion of monumental importance to him and to us: the purpose of our lives is simply to enjoy it! Yes, enjoy what God has given us and praise him.
The Preacher felt compelled to record his thoughts as they unfolded in his mind. Perhaps writing them down gave him a way to process them, but for us, his words hold lessons and inspiration, leading us to look at our own lives and pinpoint the priorities.
Isn’t that also the purpose of a Christian writer today? Friends, the year is almost over. The past twelve months or more have had times for ‘every activity under heaven’. I challenge you, pick up your pen or open your Word document, and reflect on this year. Write your God-inspired thoughts with the intention to both teach and ignite praises to God.
Join with Sheri Hathaway on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter (@sherismusing) as she divides her time between writing and watercolour painting, enjoying life on both the Canadian prairies and the West Coast.
Thank you, dear Sheri, for inspiring us to "reflect on this year" with a pen in hand. This morning I noticed I have extra blank papers in my 2021 journal--perfect provision and timing for me to do as you suggested.
ReplyDeleteBlessings for 2022 ~ Wendy Mac
And I will also do the same, Wendy. May God grant us all a happy year in 2022.
DeleteThe photo is one I took of about a thousand geese resting at a tiny man-made lake within Saskatoon under a canopy of forest fire smoke that had moved in from BC last fall. It was incredible to see and I think they couldn't fly in the smoke so they just enjoyed a short break. By the next day, most had moved on, as had the smoke. "There is a time for every activity under heaven."
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with the Preacher. God has granted me so much. Now I want to enjoy all he's given me. Most precious of all is what I know about our heavenly Father. I was horribly misled when I was a young Christian and now I want to help others know who the Father really is. And thanks for such a wise post. People get bound up in acquiring things at this time of year.
ReplyDeletethank you for this beautiful and reflective poem
ReplyDeleteThis is more than just a lovely idea, Sheri. There is much to be gained from reflecting on the recent past to learn from it and to enable us to move forward. Thanks so much for this reminder. Now where is my pen…..
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sheri, for encouraging us to reflect on the year just past, especially to "Write your God-inspired thoughts with the intention to both teach and ignite praises to God." I shall do just that.
ReplyDelete