During a recent Bible study done during Lent I came across some interesting information. I happened to be studying Ecclesiastes. My source said that it was probably written by King Solomon for the people of Israel. The theme of the writing reveals what he discovered about the meaninglessness of what humans do without God at the center of your life.

As the book begins the author stresses the meaninglessness of life. One collects things only to leave them to another who may or may not look after them. In the end, it pays homage to the God who created the universe and is Lord of all.

Years ago, I purchased a piece of art done with calligraphy. I bought it at a craft show as a gift for my mother-in-law. Her birthday was coming up and I thought it was the perfect gift. You know once people get a certain age there is really nothing that they need. I think I framed it on my own. I am not sure about this part because I also purchased a piece for myself. They are framed similarly.

The one for my mother-in-law features what is called in the Bible “A Time for Everything”. This comes from Ecclesiastes chapter 3.

“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven.”

¯ 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

¯ 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

In the portion that follows this the author says “God made everything beautiful in its time”.

Part two of this scripture addresses the idea that people cannot fully know what is best to do or what the future holds. It says we should “enjoy now the life and work God has given us.”

This list is pretty comprehensive. It covers all of the major events in life – a time to experience all of the opposite emotions. As I work my way through the process of mourning, I realize that it is simply a part of life. Just as we are born, we die. Who knows when it will be my time?

Although I do not now feel like dancing, there will be a time once again when I do. Grief is a funny thing. Everyone does it differently but everyone does it. There are some things in common for everyone.

I came across a verse after my first husband died that saw me through. It was from Psalms 27: 14 -“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” I made that my personal verse. No matter what happened it was all part of the waiting process and I pushed on.

What I like best about this scripture from Ecclesiastes is the inclusiveness. It reminds me that all things have a season. Whether you are in mourning or celebrating with a loved one, remember that things do not always go the way we think they should. Whether you are in the springtime of your life or in the winter there is work for you to do.

I used to tell my father-in-law’s cousin that she still had work to do. By then she was just over 100 years old and most of her friends were gone. That was depressing for her. I told her she was still able to visit – always with a positive attitude. She was still able to pray for people. Although she was in the winter of her life, she could still be helpful to others.

Ann Swanson writes from her home in Russell, Pa. Contact at hickoryheights1@verizon.net.