In 1984, when we left Montgomery, Alabama, the first time (we also lived there from 2001 – 2006), our adult Sunday School class gave us a clock, which still hangs in a prominent place in our home.
If you look very carefully behind the pendulum, you’ll see a small plaque. It’s inscribed
Ecclesiastes 3.1 – 8
To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:
- A time to be born, and a time to die
- A time to plant, and a time to pluck what 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
- A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing
- A time to gain, and a time to lose
- A time to keep, and a time to throw away
- A time to tear, 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, NKJV, bulleted for clarity)
“A time for every purpose under heaven.”
Those of us who are getting older realize we’re going to a lot more funerals than weddings, yes? “A time to be born, and a time to die.”
Our downsizing move has been “a time to throw away” (and give away!).
We can pray with respect to Russia and Ukraine that we’re approaching “a time of peace.”
What “time” is it in your life?
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time… (Ephesians 5.15, 16, ESV)