Ecclesiastes 3:1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: 2 a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; 3 a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; 7 a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

I’ve been taking a bit of a break from writing, a time of rest of sorts, but wanted to write today. The text above isn’t the appointed text but I thought it appropriate for New Year’s Eve. The Old Testament, of which the book of Ecclesiastes is part, was originally written in Hebrew. The Hebrew word translated into English as “time” in our passage can also mean “an opportunity”. I find that interesting.

Many people, including myself, will adopt at least one New Year’s resolution – which is another way of acting on an opportunity to change something important. I joined a gym recently as a vehicle for investing in my physical fitness in 2019. What opportunity lies before you? Will you take it?

Lord, there is indeed a time for everything under heaven. Give us grace to say yes. And thank you for the blessings of 2018, even if it is strength to endure hardship and loss. You are good to us Lord and we are grateful. Amen.