“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 plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; 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.” Ecclesiastics 3:1-4.
These words in the Old Testament reflect the various aspects of life. Each of our lives is made up of many kinds of experiences and the emotions we feel as we live those experiences. Recently a good friend of mine became a grandmother and sent me photos of her beautiful infant granddaughter. A time to be born. And a time of joy. A month ago my mother, who was blessed with a long life, completed her earthly journey. A time to die. And a time for those of us who knew and loved her to feel the sadness of missing her but also to be thankful that we were able to have her in our lives for as long as we did.
There are times when we have many tasks to complete and deadlines to meet, and we feel a lot of pressure. And when we’ve completed those tasks, we welcome being less busy and hopefully we are able to enjoy the feeling of satisfaction of a job well done. There are times when we are ill and it is essential to slow down and take care of ourselves in order to be well again. And there are times when we are healthy and energetic and lighthearted.
Life brings joys and sorrows. There are times of activity and there are times of quiet contemplation. Times to enjoy being with others and times when being alone is what we need.
Our life journey involves all of these facets. In order to live a more meaningful life, it’s important that we live life fully by embracing each of them.