Time

There is an appointed time for everything.  And there is a time for every event under heaven--
A time to give birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.  A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear 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 throw stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.  A time to search and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep and a time to throw away.  A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; 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

This time of year can be tough for so many.  For the divorced person who's life-as-they-knew-it was ripped apart.  For the family who lost a member.  For moms who lost their babies before they got to see them grow up.  For people who aren't on speaking terms with family or friends.  Or many, many other reasons.  But, we need to remember that there is a time for everything.  Life is a big cycle of ups and downs, gains and losses.  For everyone that struggles with a loss during this time of year, there is someone who is starting celebrations of their own.  New marriages, new families, reunions, reconciliations.  There is always, somewhere in the midst of it all, something to be thankful for and Someone to hope in.  I pray that through the bustle of this time of year, that you would remember the baby that was born in a manger, that grew up knowing that His purpose in life was to die in a horrible way, so that we all might be able to have a daily relationship with God the Father.  I also pray that you and yours would be blessed beyond your wildest imagination and that you would take the time to help make the holidays a little easier and brighter for someone you know.  How can you be Jesus' hands and feet, all December long, to share His love with all you come in contact with?  Who do you know that would greatly benefit from a phone call, a card in the mail, an offer to help with groceries, etc, etc, etc?  There is a time for everything under the sun.  It all comes back around.  What are you doing with your time?