Times and Seasons

“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.” –Ecclesiastes 3:1-2.(ESV)

I challenge you today to read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, the preacher’s (writer of Ecclesiastes) poem which an editorial comment entitled “A Time for Everything.”  In this incisive poem, the writer declares that there is an appropriate occasion for every human event and activity.  He acknowledges that life is very complex.  There is a “time to” do so many of the things common to the human race.

In verses 9-15, he continues beyond his poem, “A Time for Everything” in verses 1-8 to consider the place of Sovereign God and how right and permanent are all of His works and his dealings with mankind.  “He has made everything beautiful in its time.  Also, He has put eternity into man’s heart.”…(Ecclesiastes 3:11)

In these beautiful fall days, as we see the changes that come in nature and how the growth season cycles into dormancy.  We realize the truth of verse 3:b:  “A time to break down.”  Every growing thing, including us human beings, goes through cycles of change.

Mary Oliver, noted contemporary American poet, and winner of the Pulitzer Prize in poetry, wrote:   “To live in this world, you must be able to do three things:  to love what is mortal; to hold it against your bones, knowing your own life depends on it; and when the time comes to let it go, to let it go.” 

Whatever the times and seasons of our particular life, change will come.  Change is inevitable.  There will be holding onto and releasing.  And the sooner we know, like Mary Oliver expresses, “when the time comes to let it go, to let it go,” we will have understood much about change, the times and the seasons, and how to “let go and let God” have His wonderful way.

                                                                                                   -Ethelene Dyer Jones  10.13.2013