Ecclesiastes 3:1-8New King James Version (NKJV)
“Everything Has Its Time
3 To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:
2 A time to be born,
And a time to die;
A time to plant,
And a time to pluck what is planted;
3 A time to kill,
And a time to heal;
A time to break down,
And a time to build up;
4 A time to weep,
And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,
And a time to dance;
5 A time to cast away stones,
And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace,
And a time to refrain from embracing;
6 A time to gain,
And a time to lose;
A time to keep,
And a time to throw away;
7 A time to tear,
And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence,
And a time to speak;
8 A time to love,
And a time to hate;
A time of war,
And a time of peace.”
Y’all. My heart is broken. Yet in this heartache I still find peace.
Tonight I had to give up something I love dearly. Something I’ve worked so hard for. Something I treasure.
However, I also find myself breathing a sigh of relief. And this also makes me sad. Because as much as I loved this which has ended, I’m also tired. It’s hard to be Jesus when your heart is hardened (for whatever reason).
We never wanted to be one of those families who was running and going in a hundred different directions and busy every day and night of the week, yet we found ourselves facing that slippery slope.
So I know that even though it hurts to say goodbye, that it is for our good. I don’t think I would have ever willingly left, even when toying with the decision, it is better that the decision was made for me.
I will treasure the memories, and the friendships made. Those cannot be taken away. I will seek God’s will for our future endeavors, and take this time of rest and to pray. To build up, encourage, train, and disciple my children. To cherish the time I have with my children, and my husband. To seek God’s good and perfect plan for us.
I don’t believe that includes us being overstretched.
And that is how it is with most families, is it not? It seems more and more people are finding themselves overstretched, trying to go in too many directions at the same time. Well, friends, let me ask you this. Is that which is taking up most of your time worth it? Does it fit the criteria of Philippians 4:8?
Philippians 4:8English Standard Version (ESV)
“8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
When a rubber band is overstretched it becomes weak. It eventually gives way, and breaks. Are you near your breaking point? I was. I just didn’t want to admit it.
I think more of us need to pray, and ask God to shift our priorities. To line them up with His. To sift things out, if necessary. Even if it breaks our hearts.
God, please forgive me for allowing my priorities to get out of whack. For building up idols. Thank you for refining me. Though it hurts, I know I’ll be better once you bring me to completion. God, I love you. I thank you for the season I had, and though it was shorter than I ever dreamed it would be, it was good, and I praise you for that. Create in me a clean and pure heart, ready to do your will.