Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 gives a list of opposite extremes within
the seasons of life. Throughout life, we go through many different stages, and
everyone tends to go through these seasons at different points in their
timelines. There are some seasons that everyone goes through, like childhood, adolescence,
and adulthood; and there are some seasons that some people do not experience. As
a thirty-year-old single woman, I can definitely see this. Most of my peers are
married, many have children, some have or are working on doctorates, and a few
never went to college. Even within those big picture stages, there are periods
of grief and moments of pleasure. It is a marvel that we are able to maintain
friendships amongst these various seasons. God tells us to “Rejoice with those
who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Rom. 12:15, NIV). Sometimes, you may
just have to look outside of yourself and your own situation, and look at
things from another person’s perspective. If you have been in their season
before, then share with them what helped you through it or what you enjoyed
about it. If you can’t relate, then at least offer some words of encouragement.
Believe me, it’s not always easy, but it’s worth it to take the time to share
in someone else’s joy or grief. I wish I would do it more often.Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Seasons
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every
activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 gives a list of opposite extremes within
the seasons of life. Throughout life, we go through many different stages, and
everyone tends to go through these seasons at different points in their
timelines. There are some seasons that everyone goes through, like childhood, adolescence,
and adulthood; and there are some seasons that some people do not experience. As
a thirty-year-old single woman, I can definitely see this. Most of my peers are
married, many have children, some have or are working on doctorates, and a few
never went to college. Even within those big picture stages, there are periods
of grief and moments of pleasure. It is a marvel that we are able to maintain
friendships amongst these various seasons. God tells us to “Rejoice with those
who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Rom. 12:15, NIV). Sometimes, you may
just have to look outside of yourself and your own situation, and look at
things from another person’s perspective. If you have been in their season
before, then share with them what helped you through it or what you enjoyed
about it. If you can’t relate, then at least offer some words of encouragement.
Believe me, it’s not always easy, but it’s worth it to take the time to share
in someone else’s joy or grief. I wish I would do it more often.
I am currently participating in the Blogging from A to Z April 2015 Challenge. My theme is life lessons from the Bible. You can find more information about the challenge by clicking on the badge to the right or click here for a list of participants. It has been an interesting experience so far and I have enjoyed finding and visiting other blogs. If you are a fellow participant, thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave a comment!
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 gives a list of opposite extremes within
the seasons of life. Throughout life, we go through many different stages, and
everyone tends to go through these seasons at different points in their
timelines. There are some seasons that everyone goes through, like childhood, adolescence,
and adulthood; and there are some seasons that some people do not experience. As
a thirty-year-old single woman, I can definitely see this. Most of my peers are
married, many have children, some have or are working on doctorates, and a few
never went to college. Even within those big picture stages, there are periods
of grief and moments of pleasure. It is a marvel that we are able to maintain
friendships amongst these various seasons. God tells us to “Rejoice with those
who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Rom. 12:15, NIV). Sometimes, you may
just have to look outside of yourself and your own situation, and look at
things from another person’s perspective. If you have been in their season
before, then share with them what helped you through it or what you enjoyed
about it. If you can’t relate, then at least offer some words of encouragement.
Believe me, it’s not always easy, but it’s worth it to take the time to share
in someone else’s joy or grief. I wish I would do it more often.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
So true with the seasons of our lives. It is good to emphatize with those that have gone through something we have gone through and sympathize with them if we have let to experience that season; I think them knowing we care and are there for them and praying for them helps immensely in any situation.
ReplyDeletebetty