Craig Clouston

 

The Seasons of Life

July 2

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:

Ecclesiastes 3:1

For the Bowman family, July 2, 2011, wasn’t what you could call a normal day. As Jeff related the day’s schedule, I found myself reflecting on how the cycle of life is repeated.

“We’re having a party for Dad and Mom’s sixty-fifth wedding anniversary today!” Jeff proudly announced.

“Wow! That’s awesome!” I said. “That’s a huge testament to their devotion and commitment!” I understood the kind of devotion and commitment it took for a marriage to last that long; my parents had just celebrated their sixty-third in June.

“My daughters, Brenda and Danielle, won’t be there for the party though,” he said, a little disappointed. “But that’s okay. They both have something equally as important going on.”

He continued, “Brenda, our oldest, is at her sister-in-law’s wedding. She made the cake!”

Well,” I said, “hopefully her sister-in-law will make it to sixty-five too!”

With sadness in his voice, Jeff shared, “Our youngest, Danielle, is at her father-in-law, Jim’s funeral.”

I had known Jim. He’d been diagnosed with liver cancer just eight months ago. He was only sixty-two. “Yeah, that was sad. He’ll really be missed. It sounds like a day of reflection.”

“Yep…makes a man think,” Jeff said.

†

In the time between our birth and physical death we will see and experience things that will bring us joy, sorrow, and every emotion in between. There will be challenges beyond what we think we are equal to, and only a strong faith in God will see us through the storms of hardship and loss we are sure to face.

Solomon, in today’s text, assures us that although we feel like it, we are not unique; we will all experience sorrow and death, weeping and mourning. But there will also be fulfillment and jubilation in the living.

In the end it’s all about family and relationships…love and sacrifice. God wants us to know that when we have a day like this, we can face it with confidence and hope for the future; a future in which we can walk hand in hand with Him…through any season.

Prayer

“Thank You, Father, for giving me life, for walking with me daily, and for giving me the promise of all my tomorrows being spent with You. Amen.”