Beech Tree News Network

As Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) says: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Through the years and again in recent months, I have noticed the truth of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. It’s how the world works: there is a time….

Last week, we celebrated Memorial Day, a day to remember the sacrifices made by our military and the lives of other people who were important to us. My 92-year-old mom (nearing 93) and I visited the monuments of my dad and my maternal grandparents. We didn’t stay long – just a brief visit acknowledging the importance of these people in our lives. I have lost other people who were significant in my life. Death is inevitable, but I have found that remembrance is important for me to know my “place” in the world.

Looking forward, I realize that there will be “A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:4 NIV). I will lose more of my people, people important to me. On the flip side, I will joyfully celebrate any blessed occasion with family and friends – thankfully. The valleys and the mountains in life are often unpredictable and unavoidable. We simply have to move forward, living life.

An important reminder is mentioned in Ecclesiastes 3:6a (NIV): there is “a time to search and a time to give up.” Since I have a “fixer” personality, giving up is not one of my strengths. I don’t give up gracefully; I don’t like to give up. However, I have learned that sometimes giving up is the better choice. And you are the only one who can determine when to search and when to give up.

Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us how little control humans have over times and changes. Life is a gift: there is a time. And throughout my lifetime, I am thankful for God’s many blessings of people and of provision.