Beginning to End

DAILY READING

Ecclesiastes 3:1-13

FIELD NOTES

I’ve read these verses countless times. Yet this time I notice something different. Verse 11 particularly stands out to me: “God has made everything suitable for its time; moreover he has put a sense of past and future into their minds, yet they cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.” I am reminded that we human beings do not see the full story. We catch but a glimpse of the Glory of God throughout time and space. So we do the best we can with the time we have been given. When I’m held captive by despair and mourning, I know there will come a time when I will dance again. When I’m fatigued by the onslaught of war and violence, I renew my hope that peace is coming. There is a time for every matter under heaven, and the good news is that hope springs eternal. 

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• Are there areas in your life that feel unbalanced? What would it take to find balance?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• What does the word “hope” make you think of? Take time as a family to talk about what hope means to each of you.

PRAYER GUIDE

God of every season, every time, and every purpose, we praise you for creating us to dwell with you in Creation. When we are stuck in our sadness or despair, draw us back to you. When we are unbalanced, create within us a desire to renew our hope in your everlasting love. Amen.