To every thing there is a…

by Rev. Deb Worley

“To every thing there is a season, 
and a time to every purpose under the heaven…”
 
(Ecclesiastes 3:1; King James Version)


Familiar words to many 
(thanks in no small part to the Byrds! 
For the full Biblical version, click here)
and words that seemed fitting 
for this time of bidding farewell to 2021 
and bidding welcome to 2022.


As we reflect on the year that has come to a close, 
and prepare to step into yet another “new” one,
perhaps it might be helpful to remember:
 
“To every thing there is a season, 
and a time to every purpose under the heaven…” 


As we reflect on the year that has come to a close, 
and remember the ups and the downs,
the pleasant and the unpleasant,
the good, the bad, the beautiful, and the ugly,
and everything in-between,
let us not feel drawn to claim only
the pleasant, the good, and the beautiful
(and hope for more of all of that 
in the coming year), 
and judge or feel shame
or want to hide or deny 
what feels unpleasant, bad, and ugly, 
(and long for less of all of that 
in the year that’s just begun).
Rather, let us remember:

“To every thing there is a season, 
and a time to every purpose under the heaven…”


As we reflect on the year that has come to a close, 
and prepare to step into yet another “new” one,
may we acknowledge 
and hold with tenderness 
the times of grief and sadness,
as we also give thanks 
for those of joy…

“To every thing there is a season, 
and a time to every purpose under the heaven…”


May we acknowledge 
and hold with kindness
the reality of our exhaustion,
as we also give thanks 

for momentary surges of energy…

“To every thing there is a season, 
and a time to every purpose under the heaven…”


May we acknowledge 
and hold with gentleness
the expressions of heartache, 
often veiled in outbursts of anger,
as we also give thanks 
for manifestations of compassion, 
expressed in all kinds of generosity…

“To every thing there is a season, 
and a time to every purpose under the heaven…”


May we acknowledge 
and hold with grace
the moments of doubt and fear,
as well as those of abiding love…

“To every thing there is a season, 
and a time to every purpose under the heaven…”


As we reflect on the year that is coming to a close, 
may we hold space for it all, 
with tenderness and kindness, 
with gentleness and grace--
for ourselves, 
for our loved ones,
for our neighbors 
and even our enemies;
may we hold space for it all, 
with vulnerability
and with courage,
 recognizing that, indeed

“To every thing there is a season, 
and a time to every purpose under the heaven…”


As we reflect on the year that is coming to a close, 
may we recognize those seasons
that have nourished us, 
and those that have depleted us;
may we acknowledge those seasons 
that have led us to shake our fist at God 
and rage against the universe,
and weep and wail and withdraw,
as well as those 
in which we have found ourselves
 rejoicing and giving thanks
at the beauty and wonder of it all…

“To every thing there is a season, 
and a time to every purpose under the heaven…”


As we reflect on the year that has come to a close, 
and prepare to step into yet another “new” one,
perhaps it might be helpful to remember: 

“To every thing there is a season, 
and a time to every purpose under the heaven…” 

and as people of faith we claim and proclaim that,
in every season and in every time,
God, the Maker of Heaven and Earth, 
God, Creator of all that is,
God, who took on flesh and walked among us as Jesus of Nazareth, 
God, who dwells in all persons as the Holy Spirit,
God, Emmanuel, is with us!


Thanks be to God!
And Happy New Year!
Deb