May 16, 2012 ~ Seasons of Life

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

Thoughts~

Weeping uncontrollably, I barely heard the doctor give us the news my Dad was not going to live long. Lung cancer as a result of smoking since he was a teenager was about to claim his life at 57 years old.

Losing my Dad was one of the hardest experiences I have endured so far. He was my earthly hero and his love for me was strong and unconditional. Dad supported me, built me up with huge amounts of encouragement and was there for me when I experienced failures. He was also tough on me and tired to help me make wise decisions. Incredibly funny, he made all of my friends feel welcome at our home, throwing my various boyfriends into our swimming pool as a joke. When he died, my mourning was so real I could nearly taste it. 

And now, 29 years later, I still miss his presence in my life, yet know he is dancing with joy in heaven. I feel robbed that I don’t have him in my life, but, I am not mad at God.  However, there were times I was very mad at my Dad for making a choice that took him away. It was his choice to smoke, just as it is mine to not smoke and live a healthy life style.

However, over time, I came to understand that God has a time for each of us when our days are over and mine could be tomorrow, next year or 40 years from now. One day I could be dancing with my little Grandson Michael and the next, with Jesus, celebrating with family and friends in heaven. There are seasons in our lives that include deep loss and equally deep joy. It is simply part of the circle of life.

Action~

Thank God for the people you have lost who have impacted your life with encouragement, love and positive relationships. Their season on earth may be up but yours isn’t if you’re reading this blog. 

Make your season of living count. Love the Lord with all of your heart; trust Him with your whole life. And ask yourself: have you been an encourager and left a positive print on people’s hearts? Do you need to make some changes?

Pray~

Thank You, Father, for the people who have loved me and had my back over the years.  I’m sad they are gone and I miss them but am thankful for the way You used each of them in my life; to make me stronger.

Trusting in Him,

Becky

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