Today’s Author: Kory Roe
Fall is always one of my most favorite times of the year. Three years ago at my wedding, my father gave a toast referencing Ecclesiastes 3, as I am sure most of you are familiar with:
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.
I frequently tie this passage with a quote that often is set as my screensaver this time of year that reads, “The trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let things go.” This quote has been credited to the German Poet Hermann Hesse and I find it fits well with the guidance my father blessed Mike and I with on our wedding day. We were not meant to bear all of the burdens we are currently lugging around on our shoulders. There is a time for everything and that doesn’t mean that our whole life is a constant celebration nor is it a constant struggle. God never promised us that the path he put before us would be easy, but it is always worth it. As the trees continue to lose their leaves and we prepare for a new season, a new beginning if you will, what are you carrying around that can be put down? I welcome you to ask yourself what season you are currently in and if you can see the light or change on the horizon. Are you stuck in a season of mourning and waiting, with anticipation, when it will be your turn to dance? Are you experiencing the heaviness of the last year and a half and eagerly awaiting the time to fully embrace once again? Are you merely looking for a little more stillness and peace in your everyday life?
Let us pray-
Amazing God, we thank You for this day and this season we are currently in. We trust that you will guide us down the path you have chosen for us and direct us toward your promises. We come to you, Lord, and ask that you cover us in your word and in your strength. Help us to release the burdens we are carrying and find rest. Cover us in your comfort as we eagerly await this new season and allow us to find peace and rest in the power and promise of your word. Amen.
“Mid-week devotions are authored by members of our community. If you are interested in creating a trio of reflections to be shared on an upcoming Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday contact Pastor Peter.“