A Time for Everything

For everything there is a season, 

a time for every action under heaven. 

A time to be born and a time to die.

A time to plant and a time to harvest. 

A time to kill and a time to heal. 

A time to tear down and a time to build up. 

A time to cry and a time to laugh. 

A time to grieve and a time to dance. 

A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. 

A time to embrace and a time to turn away. 

A time to search and a time to quit searching. 

A time to keep and a time to throw away. 

A time to tear and a time to mend. 

A time to be quiet 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 (NLT)

This passage is probably familiar to lots of people. I find that every time I read it a different verse stands out to me, and its always a verse that applies to my life at that moment. I think this passage is a good reminder that its important to take the bad with the good. Everything has a time and we need to give the time that it requires. 

As things wind up here I am reminded of how precious time truly is. I realize my time here is ending quickly but a new time in my life is beginning. I know that I will go on to do more of God's amazing work just as I have this year. However, I'm not quite sure what is in store for me, but only time will tell. 

Time is a strange thing. Its amazing how I can have so much time and yet not enough. It can pass quickly or very slowly. But no matter, we always seem to want more time. "If I only had more time I could..." Fill in the blank. What would you do with more time? Learn something new? Work out? Spend more time with loved ones? The list goes on and on. What about spending more time with God? 

I know I'm guilty of not making enough time for God in my everyday life. I find its so easy to get distracted by everyday life. But if something is important you make time, if not you make excuses. We could keep making excuses that we don't have enough time for God or we could do something about it. One easy way it to pray. Its so simple and yet so effective. Make time to pray. You can pray in the car, on the bus, while walking the dog, during a commercial break, etc. It doesn't have to be just before a meal or right before you go to bed. Make time.

"Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart." Colossians 4:2 (NLT)  

I sometimes forget the power of prayer. Not just for others but the act of praying is beneficial to my well being. Its a time of healing between me and God. When asking for forgiveness or just telling the troubles on my mind, it's support, comfort and encouragement from God that helps to put my mind at rest. Prayer helps me to focus and be calm. Its not one of my strengths but God doesn't care. He would rather I pray "poorly" than not at all. 

So as these next few months fly by I will try to remember to take time to stop and pray. Not only for the  benefit of those around me but also for myself. 

There is a time for everything, a time to worship, a time to serve, and a time to pray.