A Time for Everything...

One of the crosses overlooking the lake at the Disciple Oaks Camp and Retreat Center, Gonzales, Texas.

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There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:
    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 from embracing,
    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

Ecclesiastes opens with these words, "For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven."

Have you ever looked back at your life and asked yourself, "Why did this happen?"

I don't feel like it's something that any of us has not experienced. A relationship ends. A job comes to a close. Another month of the calendar is torn from the wall. We are filled with Ecclesiastical moments.

I remember a few years ago when I suddenly found myself without a job, without a home, and unsure as to what my next step would be.

As I sat in the office of a dear friend, she reminded me of this verse in scripture and said, "Okay, so this chapter of your life is over. It was specific for a time and purpose and now it is complete."

I must have looked lost, but then she said, "But don't worry, and don't think that your life is over. You have a new chapter that hasn't begun to be written."

I know I felt relieved, but also overwhelmed at the same time. For me it meant I would have to rely on God to lead, for me to follow, but most of all, be willing to step out and start creating the new chapter.

I wonder if the tree of the field feels sad when winter begins to approach and it must watch as the leaves change color and fall to the ground, exposing itself to the harsh reality of winter? Then in the spring, feeling the warmth of the sun, stirring something from deep within, that brings forth buds and a burst of life that once again creates shade and new limbs that the birds of the field may rest upon.

Each day is an unwritten page in the chapter of life. If you have experienced loss, or simply can't imagine another day like yesterday, then perhaps a new chapter is in order.

I'm grateful for the words my friend shared. It really helped me to know that God was not done, and that better things were definitely awaiting. 

Stay in God's grip!

G. Todd Williams (c) 2017

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Dear Lord, for each season of my life, for every chapter that is written, may it begin and end with thanks to You.  Thank You for each letter, syllable, and paragraph that it may contain.  Amen.

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