Times of Your Life

Photo Credit: Gerry Toler

A Meditation on Times

(patterned after Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

There is a time for every spiritual thought,
and a time for every activity within the soul:

A time to imagine,
     and a time to let a vision die;
A time to cultivate a hope,
     and a time to let a dream go;
A time to forget the past,
     and a time for memories to be healed;
A time to analyze possibilities,
     and a time to construct a plan;
A time to ponder sad things,
     and a time to rejoice at good news;
A time to grieve over losses,
     and a time to write music or poetry;
A time to spread information,
     and a time to gather it;
A time to fellowship,
     and a time to practice solitude;
A time to investigate,
     and a time to cease from research:
A time to defend your opinion,
     and a time to give it up;
A time to change your mind,
     and a time to reaffirm your purpose;
A time to be still before God,
     and a time to intercede for others;
A time to turn from trivialities,
     and a time to adore the Lord your God;
A time to wage spiritual warfare,
     and a time to enjoy spiritual tranquility;

There is a time for every spiritual thing,
and a time for every activity of the soul:

A time for meditation, and a time for ministry;
A time for meditation, and a time for ministry;
A time for meditation, and a time for ministry.

— David L. Hatton, 3/14/1998