The Difference One Week Will Make



Did you miss the fall color in the Smokies last year? Well, I wouldn't be surprised. Check out these two photos. Both were taken from the same spot (2nd overlook on Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail) just ONE WEEK APART. Yes, you heard that right. And I imagine that 2 or 3 days after my last shot that this scene was nearly all brown.

Fall color was spectacular despite initial predictions but short-lived this year. As is usually the case, timing is very important. In fact, the old saying is that "timing is everything."

In the Bible, we read the words of King Solomon regarding a time and season for everything that takes place.

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.

We don't usually get to choose the time or season we are going through. It slowly creeps up on us about as often as it hits us unexpectedly. How does one face life's seasons whether good or bad? --By walking close to their Heavenly Father who is not only the Great Physician and more than capable of completely healing this disease, but also One who will loving comfort every fear, guide medical caretakers' hands and thoughts, provide caring friends and family to come alongside, and sustain them through every long minute, hour, day, week and month ahead. 

As certain as there is a time to tear down, there is a time to build up. As certain as there is a time to weep, there is a time to laugh. As certain as there is a time to be silent, there is a time to speak. Be in prayer today for those who are going through difficult seasons in their life.

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