A REFLECTION on ‘A time for everything’ by Richard Cracknell
“I’ve been reading a book recently about the Kings and Queens of England; I found it in the bargain bin of WH Smith, (£5 off because someone had defaced the cover!) and I thought that buying it might encourage me to improve my woeful lack of knowledge of this aspect of our history. Perhaps I should mention that I bought it back in 1990! which begs the question: ‘was there no period of just a few hours in the past 30 years when I could have sat down and read it?’ And, ‘has it really taken a global pandemic to provide the opportunity and impetus for me to get it off the shelf?’ I’m sure that many books around the country have been brought down from shelves, dusted off and read in recent months as people have suddenly found themselves with vast quantities of time on their hands. Many DIY jobs which were left un-finished have also now been completed, and many lofts and sheds finally cleared out! This period of lock-down has allowed us to catch up with things we have neglected to do through lack of time, but it is often not so much lack of time that is the problem but the way we fill it. We like to keep ourselves busy and to guard against idleness. But time is a gift from God, it is not to be feared but embraced, to be used wisely and not squandered. I was reminded of those great words from Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 ……….
1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
Perhaps this is a time to reflect on our priorities and a time to ask God to guide us in the best use of our time for the benefit of others and for ourselves. Now where’s that dictionary of theology I’ve been meaning to read for the past 9 years …… “ Richard
‘Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these.’ (Luke 12:27 New International Version)
‘Zoom’ study course for our Church on the book of Revelations in July
Rev Jeremy Hurst has offered to take a 4 week ‘Zoom’ study course for our Church on the book of Revelations in July, (possibly on Tuesdays at 10 am.) • Purpose: to study this strange book, full of visions, always vivid, often violent, which has puzzled and inspired generations of readers. • Structure: Four sessions of one hour by Zoom: i. Chapter 1. Who wrote it, when, where and why? Chapters 2 and 3. Letters to seven churches in Asia. ii. Chapters 4 and 5. The worship of heaven. iii. Chapter 13. The number of the beast. Chapters 14 – 18. The fall of Babylon. iv. Chapters 21 and 22. A new heaven and a new earth. Please have to hand a Bible, any version. Also, please be ready to join in with comments and questions, even though this is a difficult medium. It would be helpful if you could read the chapters in advance. Jeremy Hurst If you are interested please let Graham know.
‘Drinking from my Saucer’ and written by John Paul Moore.
(1) ‘I’ve never made a fortune And it’s probably too late now, But I don’t worry about that much, I’m happy anyhow. And as I go along life’s way, Reaping better than I sowed I’m drinking from my saucer ‘Cause my cup has overflowed.
(2) Haven’t got a lot of riches, at times the going’s tough. But loved ones all around me, makes me rich, quite rich enough. I thank God for all His blessings, and the mercies He’s bestowed. I’m drinking from my saucer ‘Cause my cup has overflowed.
(3) I remember times when things went wrong, My faith wore somewhat thin. But all at once the dark clouds broke, and the sun peeped through again. So Lord, please help me not to gripe about tough rows I have hoed. I’m drinking from my saucer ‘Cause my cup has overflowed.
(4) God gives me strength and courage, when the way grows steep and rough, I’ll not ask for other blessings, I’m already blessed enough. And may I never be too busy, to help others bear their loads. Then I’ll keep drinking from my saucer, ‘Cause my cup has overflowed!’