It’s about time

We have arrived. Today is the last day of the calendar for 2024. For some, the year has brought good experiences. They wish this year did not have to end. For others, after a year of difficulty and disappointment, this year cannot end soon enough.

In most lives, there has been some of each. We have enjoyed times of productivity and rest. Other times, we have used all we had to work through obstacles and troubles. In wisdom, we recognize both times and the respective values within each. In that same wisdom, we count all experiences as worthwhile preparation for whatever may be ahead.

When we pay attention, experience helps us to understand that there are times for planning and times for doing. There are times for waiting and times for working. There are times to be involved, and times to stay away.

Who has not seen effort expended and lost because all parts were not ready? Who has not seen remarkable results for being “at the right place in the right time?” Even with much earthly cost, there may be great benefit as long as we do not lose the lesson.

The most-heard words of the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes are from chapter three. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” This writer echoes what your parents said, what your mentor said, what your spouse has told you, even what your boss has advised. Do it when the time is right. The writer follows with fourteen pairs of opposite actions as examples, but the point is in the first verse. Timing matters!

Timing has to do with aligning with the powers that be. When we align our efforts, there will be results. Verse eleven clarifies it, “God has made everything beautiful in its time.” Another way to phrase that would be to say that there is a purpose for everything. Understand the purpose and you are on your way to understanding how and when to use it, to make the most of it.

Anyone who is alive understands that waiting is hard. We almost never enjoy waiting because it seems so unproductive. It is as though nothing is happening. Wisdom helps us to know that things are coming into place. It is others’ turn to do to prepare for our turn to do.

In spiritual terms, the best benefit is to find out who can make things happen. Who will win? That’s the one to follow. It may not be clear until you decide, but once you have decided, it becomes unmistakable. There is one who will not be thwarted or turned back and whose purposes will be completely fulfilled, with or without our efforts. To oppose is failure and death. To follow is abundant life.

Aligning with the Lord of All takes daily work and constant effort, but the reward is peace and prosperity, which beats turmoil and waste every day of the year.