One of “those” times

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

We’ve had another death in the family this week; it’s once again one of “those” times. So sad…

Everyone has these times, everyone gets their chance to be sad, to grieve and to weep; this is the nature of this life as we pass though this vale of tears. These are contemplative times, times to reflect and take stock, times to ask questions and take inventory; to make assessments.

What are the things that are really important; what are the things that are not so important? What should I think about or do more of, and what can I let go of?

Am I on the right track, or have I drifted? Am I secure in my eternal future, or is there something lacking? Am I OK with God?

I don’t really go out of my way to seek these reflective places, but they seem to find me anyway. Maybe I’m glad that they do, because in the end I know that my hope and faith in the One who can provide eternal life is safe and secure.

Even so, I hope you will pardon me if I’m a little scarce in these precincts for a day or two.