“Turn, Turn, Turn,” echoes the popular song from The Byrds,
reflective from Scripture in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.
“For everything there is a season,
and a time to every matter under heaven.”
Ecclesiastes was pivotal not only in my surrender to Christ,
it was foundational in growing my trust and love for
God’s powerful, sufficient,
and living Word.
Truly, God’s eternal words from Ecclesiastes,
continues to hold cherished meaning and purpose
as I’ve sojourned through the years.
Once again the great Preacher’s words,
both affirms and settles my heart through minor and major life transitions.
After seasons of prayer and counsel through the years, while
trusting God’s will and timing,
we moved forward in weighty decisions
towards neccessary endings
and new beginnings.
We intentionally took steps to be more open-handed
with God given gifts of
established friendships,
rare opportunities,
biblical community, and
our leadership roles.
All to circle back where our roots began
within the Great Lakes area,
and to begin a new
work and life balance.
In Crazy Busy, Kevin DeYoung writes how leaders are challenged
by “over developed strengths that are under protected.”
Throughout our research, this statement among others,
continues to hold one of many check point convictions
we embrace in our work/life balance.
God was and is gracious with His guidance,
goodness, and generosity to us throughout the
tedious process and numerous changes,
including our tender emotions.
Many transitional changes required a delicate balance of people and process.
We received two offers on our home within four hours of listing.
The speed of our process took a fast pace; we’re thankful for it.
How vital the timing proved to be for us in this transition,
to critical needs within
our extended families.
Close friends in our prayer group, neighborhood,
and community stood with us-
through highs and lows, strengths and weaknesses, tears and mutual love.
Their kindness, timely encouragement, meals, and prayers,
all offered strength to us-
yet the comfort was simply,
being together.
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What depth of love, joy, and support to truly experience biblical community.
This is life together Dietrich Bonhoeffer encouraged!
Why welcome sincere community,
of maturing love, life, and support among believers?
Together we learn to live wholeheartedly,
and to trust the Word will light our ordinary paths.
We need one another as we seek to walk in the fear of the Lord.
Even more beautiful, we’re family by God’s grace.
Side by side taking humble steps of trust and obedience,
following our great Shepherd and Keeper of our souls.
For our help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
For the Lord is our shade at our right hand.
He will watch over our life.
The Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore. Psalm 121
Resources:
Crazy Busy, Kevin DeYoung
Necessary Endings, Dr. Henry Cloud