There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven— Eccl 3:1
As a busy mom of 4 children that span almost every age group: toddler, preschooler, pre-teen and teenager...this verse brings me much comfort while also makes me laugh! I can't help it! And also think...of course a man would say this! Lord forgive me, but it really does seem like men aren't pondering the rest of the weeks water play schedule and school supply list while checking that the grout in the bathroom isn't 'too gross' to allow another day of neglect. Is it rather just that women have been blessed to show their love, affection and maybe even worth by the length of their to-do checklist?
While I understand that King Solomon was endowed with wisdom from above, I'm sure this King had plenty to stress about as well. But his approach to the many of life's to-dos was simply to believe that in God's time they'll happen. That life outlook still seems to amaze me. Like I said, if I don't get to that bathroom tile, who is and when is that? Even with our list of chores, my mommy to-do list runs on end.
In Luke 10, we are introduced to two sisters, Martha and Mary; the famous Martha. It says she was distracted by the preparations. Could that be the theme for EVERY WOMEN? Maybe not but pretty close, because of course there are the Marys. But this verse speaks to us women who can wonder how King Solomon, in all his wisdom, could write a passage like a Ecclesiastes 3.
In all boldness ladies, maybe we're missing the point? Don't shoot arrows at me, trust me, it's MY conviction! But is our need for a quick 10-minute bathroom clean a substitute for a silly face contest with our children or a back rub from our never-ending all-star husband request line? We are called to respect our husbands and train our children...everything else truly is everything under the sun.
I often believed that the Proverbs 31 woman remained nameless to spare her from nasty looks at the market and temple. While she is still my great inspiration of a Godly woman, she also reminds me of an airbrushed supermodel on the cover of a magazine. Now I don't mean she's fake but her description just seems so unattainable! It's like she created for us, The Woman's 10 Commandments. "She rises early to make sure her household is fed." (Prov 31:15) Oh man, I'm so grateful for breakfast at school! How do I measure to her, how can I accomplish all that? Wise King Solomon answered that as well, "God has made everything beautiful in it's own time" (vs. 11). It's not that complicated, we're works in progress. Doesn't that just tickle you? We're not deemed less valuable or precious but given grace. Oh how I love that. It's hard to not have a check on the check-list but I'm so blessed His ways are not our ways, aren't you?
So...let's take a man's advice and believe that there's a time for everything and that our weaknesses are not going to bring down our worth. We will take inventory of every moment, every thought...to be in line with the One who has really done everything (vs 11) because He loves us. And that kind of love is a language we definitely speak.
Good and Gracious Father, I'm so glad Your Word has many examples. I truly believe Lord that You made me fearfully and wonderfully but I admit, I feel sometimes as if I'm only made to balance the budget and keep the laundry rotation going. If I'm really honest, I can't do all the things You call me to do: for my husband, for my children, even for You. Forgive me but also...thank You for taking that burden from me. Thank You Lord for being my Prince of Peace. I can trust King Solomon and believe there is a time for everything, even perfection and Your timing is perfect. Thank You for the blessing of my calling in this life, may I honor You in not just what I do, but how I do it. Consecrate my heart to be more like Yours and erase those unnecessary items on my to-do list that would keep me from You and the wonderful callings You've given me called family. Help our family to be grounded in You. You are a Good God and Loving Father and I praise You. In Your Name, Jesus Christ I pray, amen.
