Ecclesiastes 3:1 – There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. (NIV)

Seasons in life are just as real as seasons in nature. Yes, some seasons are quick, while some are much longer, and at times, we wish that they would just move on.

For me, the season was fall, with winter looming in the not-too-distant future. Mom had been living with us since last January, and in September, her house was sold. The decision to sell was not an easy one. Even though mom knew that she couldn't live there, she had to make the decision when to sell. Once that decision was made, the task of packing and moving almost 29 years of belongings began. We had moved a few bits and bobs over the previous months, but the balance remained untouched.

I must admit that I didn't even know where to start as I wandered from room to room opening closets and drawers. I eventually started with the smallest room, and I was excited to text my success to a friend of mine. She shared in my triumph, even if the smallest room in the house was the bathroom.

On the final packing day, feeling weary and overwhelmed, I arrived at the house and sat in the car looking towards the house. Many photos had been taken, but I wanted one final look to hold in my mind's eye. Just as I was about to get out of the car, a very special song came on the radio by Casting Crowns: Oh My Soul. As I sat and listened, it gave me the lift that I needed to complete my task.

As I locked the door for what would be the second-last time, I left feeling sad and empty. I must admit that I had so soon forgotten the song that I had heard a few hours before. My mom had been unable to help in the packing of the house, so as I drove home in silence, I pondered whether I had kept the right things. Was I doing right for her? As I pulled into the driveway on that late September afternoon, there in my front yard was a single red rose in bloom. That same rose bush had bloomed on the day of my dad's funeral nine years before.

It was then that I began to reflect with gratitude to God on the past three days that had been unseasonably warm and sunny. Each box that I had brought into our home had been unpacked, and a place for everything had been found. Each item of furniture had fit perfectly into the space for it in our home.

What is now resonating with me is the wording in today's Scripture: "There is a time … for every activity" — not just the fun stuff or the mundane, but "for every activity". Therefore, Jesus is with us in everything that we do. When we fail to recognize this, it doesn't mean that He isn't there for us. In fact, it means exactly the opposite, as His Word says, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5b NIV)

Psalm 121:8 – The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. (NIV)

Prayer: Dear Lord, we are sorry for the times when we failed to see Your hand upon us. Help us to recognize You in all that we say and do. We thank You for Your presence in all our seasons and activities. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Julie Bowles <julieanni@rogers.com>
Barrie, Ontario, Canada
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