Out Of Order
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent 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
Insight
For our first Christmas as a married couple, my wife and I purchased furniture from IKEA. The smell of Swedish meatballs and cinnamon buns wafting through the store made us feel like we could build anything. Being newlyweds, we were starting with a blank slate and a new home.
Eager to set up our furniture, we carefully opened the boxes, laying everything out to ensure we had each piece. We read the directions over twice and grabbed our trusted Allen wench. We were ready to build.
However, our excitement soon wore off, and frustration set in. We began to question if the directions were miswritten. Logically, steps 5, 6, and 7 seemed out of order.
We had a choice; we could proceed by doing what made sense to us, or we could follow the directions faithfully, trusting that IKEA knows how to build their furniture better than we do. Our first attempt, a leaning tower of a bookshelf, proved this to be true.
Taking each step is essential to the end goal, whether it involves putting together IKEA furniture or understanding life's experiences. In the book of Ecclesiastes, King Solomon reminds us that there is a time for everything and a season for every activity of life. This includes a time to weep, a time to laugh, a time to mourn, a time to be silent, a time to speak, and, even, a time to WAIT.
Being present during these times is paramount.
If we don't process these feelings, we either carry these moments and the baggage that comes with them into the future. We miss opportunities to celebrate growth, appreciate relationships, and recognize valuable lessons that God is trying to teach us. Often these are the steps we want to skip, but if we do, instead of standing securely, we will be leaning on something other than God to get us through our days.
Reflection
Of the actions mentioned in today's passage, which ones stick out (ex: laugh, mourn, be silent, etc.)? Why do you need to make time for this activity?
What do you believe God is attempting to teach you through this time?
Prayer
God, with everything I encounter, You're teaching me and drawing me closer to Your side. Rather than drag past moments into my future, may I reflect upon their impact on my life. If I need to mourn, let me weep. If I need to laugh, fill me with joy. If I need to forgive, help me to extend grace. If I need to wait, may I pause and trust. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
