Ecclesiastes 3

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8  For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:  ² a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;  ³ a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;  ⁴ a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;  ⁵ a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;  ⁶ a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;  ⁷ a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;  ⁸ a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

Happy First Day of Summer!  Which means today is the longest day of the year.  This also means that the days start to get shorter starting tomorrow.  I know that it won’t be dark by 5pm tomorrow night, but it’s strange, a part of me is a little sad. 

I have to remind myself that each day has a purpose.  Today – I am going to enjoy the beautiful sunshine (and the hot temperatures) knowing that they won’t last forever.  Summer is a time of fun in the sun, swimming, playing outside, and growth.  Crops grow in the summer, kids grow like crazy in the summer, and even my hair grows faster in the summer.

Summer is also an opportunity to grow in our faith.  Our days are longer – sitting by the pool or at the ballgame – these are great opportunities to read Scripture, work through a Bible Study, journal, or talk with God.  Maybe create a goal to read through the Pauline Epistles (the letters in the New Testament written by Paul) or the Psalms.  Maybe your goal is to make it through an entire Bible Study this summer (I have several at home that are only partially complete). L

Now, some of you may be thinking – well, what if someone sees me?  What would I say if they ask what I am doing?  Honestly, I hope they do.  Is there a better way to open a conversation about your faith than living it out in your daily life?  Maybe they have questions about faith that you can discuss.  Maybe you can lead them to accepting Jesus and their Savior.  Maybe they’ll sneer at you and shake their heads – I don’t know.  But God never said growth wouldn’t be painful.  In fact, in several places in Scripture He said there would be challenges, but He said He will be with us as we go through them.

So – in this season of growth and fun in the sun, what goals are you going to set?  What are you going to accomplish this summer?  Will you be closer to God in three months when the seasons change than you are today?  Every moment counts.  If we wait too long, the kids will be going back to school and the weather will be getting cooler.  We will have let another season go by without notice.  Grab today!  Seek God in all you do and grow in Him this summer!!

I’m praying for you!

Pastor Amy