A Time for Every Season - Pt 1

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; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, 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 ESV).

First, I must apologize for not posting in a few days. I did receive your texts and emails wondering about the lapse. I hope I answered most of them in a timely way, though I’m sure that was not the case. Monday morning, I was directed by my doctor to go the ER because of some issues regarding my heart. Honestly, I really felt that it couldn’t be anything related to my heart since we were so close to Christmas past that I knew it “grew two sizes” (cf. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”… and please give a polite chuckle). Anyway, that visit resulted in spending the next three days in the hospital while they tested. I won’t spend the space here with details, but you can tell by this devotional, I’m still alive. In fact, I feel good. I received good care, a clear diagnosis, some new medication, and permission to go on with my life as near normal as ever. While I was being herded from one area to another I determined to use the time for as much reflection as possible. Since coming home and not wanting to waste this experience, I’ve been thinking about lessons learned and benefits received. My hope is that as I take you through this little journey of reflection that it may be an encouragement to you, especially if you find yourself in a similar situation. In general, let me say that all of the things we’ll look at are things I needed God’s help with. I was surprised how difficult it was for me to focus on anything, and therefore, how vulnerable I felt spiritually. I’m used to fixing my mind on God’s truth, especially his promises, and fighting off the temptations of fear and anger. That was especially true when good news was not coming very quickly and my older grandchildren visited me. That’s really the first time they have seen Grandpa in a hospital bed and looking vulnerable and frail. I know its pride, but I wanted to maintain the illusion of strength and vigor longer with them. When Logan asked matter-of-factly, “Grandpa, what’s wrong with you?” I was jolted with the reality that they knew I wasn’t as good as I once might have been. That thought brought me to our reading today. It was such a “time.” Focus was difficult, trust was harder than usual; however, as is always the case, God is enough and He’s got this! That’s the beginning of every lesson.