Ecclesiastes 3:1-4
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; Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 (NRSVUE)
The Bible passage above is not the passage assigned to us for today’s devotion, but Ecclesiastes 3 seems appropriate right now with recent events in our lives.
Two of Bev’s sisters recently announced and are excited that they will be welcoming great grandchildren in the coming months.
A dear friend/relative was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and is undergoing treatment. She is at peace with the diagnosis and confident in her faith. She will not be traveling this road alone.
On a recent Saturday, at 10:30 a.m. we were in a church in Syracuse, NE, to attend the funeral of a man who had reached the age of 102. Eddie was a cousin of Orville’s and was a good man. In his life’s work, he was a farmer, then a mechanic, and finally had a long career in soil conservation. He retired from that career at 100 years old. As recently as last fall, he took Orville for a drive in the country. His funeral was a celebration of life. Because he and his wife loved to dance, the organist played two polka tunes as part of the recessional from the church.
At 1:30, we attended our 18-year-old granddaughter’s high school graduation ceremony. She has plans to attend Peru State College and become an elementary school teacher. Wow, how can this beautiful child who we babysat for several years be moving into this next stage of her life.
In the evening that same day, we attended and celebrated the marriage of a great niece – a very nice evening spent with family and friends.
Birth, death, graduation, careers, wedding - our travels through life – a time for every matter under heaven. We as Christians know we don’t travel alone but sometimes that’s just what we try to do. Days like these remind us that God is with us always. We can lean on the promise of God’s love and care.
Question for Reflection:
- When do you most feel the presence of God, the love God has for you? Take a moment, feel it.
Prayer:
Dear God, you are present in all the seasons of our lives. We celebrate, you are there. We cry, you are there, we laugh, you are there – always. Thank you. Amen.
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