Simple Faith Christian

Ecclesiastes 3:1(NKJV)

To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:

          Have you ever taken a train ride or a drive to see the leaves after they changed color? Maybe there was a friend or close family member that has passed, and we are trying to figure out how to move on? How about finally cleaning out those boxes in the attic of things you thought were important, but now they don’t hold any significance?

          There can be any number of events in our lives that end like chapters in a book. Some may end abruptly while others just seem to keep dragging on with no conclusion in sight. No matter the circumstance or how they end there could be a lot of emotions attached when it does.

          There are so many chapters being written at the same time in our lives, but we are only one part of the equation. We need to be aware that as we are a character in our own story, but everyone around us are characters in their own as well. All of our stories are being written at the same time with certain moments spilling over onto the pages of the ones around them.

          Some of these stories may have a similar beginning or end, but they are not all the same. The reactions or the choices that are made can vary greatly with the outcomes being very different. Besides how events play out naturally, there are also any number of physical or emotional reactions that occur that can change a conclusion entirely.   

          It is our choice what we do when any chapter has concluded. We can embrace what has happened or keep dwelling on it continually. Even if we embrace it or expect the way something will conclude, there can still be plenty of emotional baggage attached that has to be dealt with before it affects another chapter that has not been finished yet.

          Any of those strong feelings can be made better or worse when we look back at the book of our life so far. There are parts that we would put a star by or underline a certain section with highlights, while others we want to black out or remove the page altogether. However, we may just want to play editor and rewrite some parts differently.

          No matter which way we are leaning on any memory, we have to understand that whether good or bad, these are the experiences that have shaped us. If we change any part of it, then we would change who we are, what we have, or where we are in life.

          What we view as a missed opportunity could be what we needed to clear a path in another direction. It still may not have been exactly where we needed to be, but it may get us closer. A job you may have now, where you are living, and who you have around you are only some of the factors that go into that equation. 

                    I have pondered the question before about changing one thing in my life if I could and I always came to the same conclusion. I couldn’t really come up with anything. Maybe I would not have had a second chance at a loving relationship, had an opportunity to interact with certain people, or my wonderful children may not have been born.

          Every piece of the puzzle, whether good or bad, does fit, but there are more pieces to be placed. Each piece has its own part of the story, its own chapter. Everything that has come to pass makes up the picture, your story so far. No matter where we are at, we can change the narrative as we find out what is next.

      One big thing we have to remember as the opening scripture says, there is a time for everything. Just as one season ends to begin the next, a chapter ending can be the signal of something new getting ready to start. If we want to find out more we can listen to the Byrd’s song “Turn, Turn, Turn” or continue in Ecclesiastes 3, to find many more examples of this.

      In verse 2, “A time to be born, a time to die, A time to plant, a time to reap.” We can see that there are opposite sides of everything. We can experience the joy of birth, only to have our heart broken by illness. You cannot reap anything if you don’t sow. However, in life there can be a lot more in between those highs and lows.

      The journey between life and death will be filled with many joys and sorrows, just as going from planting and reaping may go without issue or be interrupted by any number of disruptions. Verse 4 can also be related to the first part of verse 2, “A time to weep, a time to laugh; A time to mourn, a time to dance;” As you can see some parts like life and death can be divided even further.

      This means that we need to accept and embrace both sides and everything else in the middle. The easiest way we can do this is by placing it in God’s hands. This simple step in faith will give us the peace we need no matter what part of our story is being written.

      Verses 6 and 7 give us more things we can expect on our journey through life, “⁶ A time to gain, a time to lose; A time to keep, a time to throw away; ⁷ A time to tear, a time to sew; A time to keep silence, a time to speak;” These are all built into everything, we just need to trust the plan that God has for our lives. 

      So, join me in honoring God with our praise in everything that happens. We should not waver or let the enemy see us sweat for He is our strength and the guidance we need.  

CHAPTERS IN MY BOOK

From another chapter closed out, to a page that has been turned,

Each day can lead to something new and lessons to be learned.

Too often the chapters may seem too long or end before they should,

Some can turn out perfect, while others rewritten if I could.

Regardless of what is happening each one must come to an end,

From joyful or filled with heartache different messages they will send.

Lord, I know each chapter will continue until you say it’s done,

How do I know when one is finished before moving to the next one?

My child, each one is part of your story and needed before moving on,

Even though some might feel finished the memories are never gone.

Some overlap with each other and may be going at the same time,

You can try to control what’s written to make it turn out fine.

But letting go is better and placing everything in my hands,

Putting all your trust in me and having faith in my plans.

You are part of my family, my love and mercy you cannot overlook,

Fore everything that is written are also Chapters In My Book.

Simple Faith Christian

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