Day 20: Time

Ever since I was really little, I liked the song "Turn, Turn, Turn" by The Byrds, but it wasn't until I was in my mid teens that I realized their lyrics were taken from the Bible. On my part, that's kind of sad that it took me that long to come to that realization. But on the part of The Byrds, that's pretty awesome. Some people (most likely non-believers) might argue that it's plagiarism, but I see it as spreading the Good Word and reaching out to people who may not otherwise seek out the Word of God.

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which 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 get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, 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 of war, and a time of peace.
~Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (KJV)

Basically, these verses are pretty straightforward. There is a time for everything, both good and bad. It's like a coin--there are two sides and there's a 50/50 shot of landing on one side over the other. It seems like nothing can exist without an opposite: we need both sun and rain, light and dark, happiness and sadness, love and hate, health and sickness, life and death. You may sometimes wish that the "bad" parts didn't exist, but think about it... what would happen to the faith of Christians if life was good all the time? Sure, more people might believe, but it would be difficult to judge if their faith was true. Not to mention the fact that we wouldn't grow much spiritually if there weren't times in our lives when we really needed to cling to God. Sadness, mourning, sickness, loss, and all of the other negative times and feelings are necessary for shaping us into who God intends us to be. Kind of makes the "bad" times not seem so bad anymore, huh?

There cannot be good without bad. Every end brings a new beginning, and together they work in harmony to keep the cycle of life perpetual.

Lord, thank You for all the times, both good and bad. Thank You for seeing me through ALL of them. I know that without those times when I needed to be carried by You, I wouldn't be as strong and my relationship with You wouldn't be as strong. Also, my "bad" experiences have inspired others to keep going even when things seem impossible for them; I love to help others and that makes it even more worth it on my part. Only You could have done that. Thank You for all of my "good" blessings too, like my family, friends, pets, and home... and, of course, thank You for who I am (that's probably the most important one because that determined--and still determines--what blessings came--and continually come--into my life). I ask that You please continue to bless my family, friends, and me just as You always have. I trust You and love You with my heart and soul, Lord. Please continue to guide me and walk with me forever. In Jesus' name, Amen.


Love and God Bless,
M.C.