For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die…a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance…a time to seek, and a time to lose.” (Ecclesiastes 3: 1-6a) David Robert
Jones, or David Bowie as we knew him, died on January 10, 2016. Prince Rogers Nelson, or Prince, died on April 21, 2016. Alan Thicke died on December 13, 2016. Georgios Panayiotou, better known as George Michael, died on December 25, 2016. Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, famous mother and daughter actresses, died just a day apart from each other the last week in December. Death itself is a horrible thing, but for it to happen unexpectedly, as in the case of the aforementioned names, brings a far more painful sting.
At the end of each year, we celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas, a time where we gather with our friends, family, and other loved ones. The new year comes and we celebrate once again, but we then return to the activities of normal everyday life. For some, a new year is a time of new beginnings, renewment, and joy. For others, a new year can be hard, sad, and can trigger memories of those lost or left behind in the previous years. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to continue in this redundant cycle. We are not promised tomorrow.
God blesses us with a new year to make things right or to start things anew, whether it be with family or friends or in the workplace. He gives us time, which is a powerful element in the circle of life. Time to spend reading His Word or helping others. Time to listen to a grandparent talk of days gone by, or time to have coffee with a friend. Time to work off a holiday feast, or time to take advantage of those after-Christmas sales. Time to attend a child’s sporting event or school program, or time to help them with a pesky math problem or science question.
Whatever the circumstance, we are given a new year, a second chance, to build each other up, to laugh, and to be with people we love. With every year comes challenges to face and obstacles that get in the way of precious time. It’s a certain guarantee! But, we have to MAKE time. MAKE time for coffee, MAKE time for your children, MAKE time for reminiscing with Grandma or Grandpa, before it’s too late. Life is but a vapor, and the year 2016 is spent. So set goals for yourself for the new year, and be kind to others. Lend a hand to someone in your community, school, workplace, or church. Take part in local activities. MAKE time in 2017!
