Family Links - Newsletter     May 2007

"A Time for Everything: how will you choose?"                 by Dena Crosby, PLMHP To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted… A time to break down, A time to build up; A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing; A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away; A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silent, And a time to speak; A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace.              (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)       What a beautiful reminder of all of life’s transitions. Time moves on no matter what we face. There are times for birth, death, weeping, laughing, mourning, dancing, silence, speaking, and even war and peace.        What time is it in your family? Is it time to exhort one another as you continue the race set before you? How long has it been since you danced, laughed, or embraced your loved ones? Perhaps you have all been silent too long and it is now time to speak in love to one another. Maybe God is soon to call a loved one home and you are saying your goodbyes and preparing to mourn.        How does your family handle transition and change? Sometimes laughter is the only response, sometimes tears. We can choose to remain angry, depressed, and hopeless, or we can choose to allow the pain to forge a passage into a new, hopeful, and meaningful life. Whatever you and your family face, remember you have God, each other and a choice in how you show up in your life.  Consider the following:  1. Accept that change is inevitable. We can prevent or avoid some things, but transitions are ultimately a way of life for every family.  2. Allow change to work. Transitions help you and your families become who you were meant to be. (Romans 8:28).  God is in control. Stop the resistance, encourage one another and go with the flow!   3. Persevere. Hang in there during difficult times. Character can be developed as you and your family perseveres through the pain of change. God’s promises give us hope.  4. Wait. When what you and your family are going through is painful, we can trust that God has a purpose in it.       As joyous or as painful as life’s experiences might be, many are natural transitions. If you and your family have God in your life you can trust Him through the changes your family is facing, knowing that every day that passes brings them closer to their eternal destiny in the presence of God Himself. And as there is a season for everything, for each new season a new insight is graciously given or hard won. In the end we know the only thing that gives true meaning to the transitions in life is the promise of eternity with Our Creator.      A season for everything! A time for everything! Time moves on no matter what you face. What time is it in your family? What choices does your family need to make? When will you make time to acknowledge the transitions your family is or will soon be facing? Who will your family trust once you realize the season of change you are in? How will your family choose to show up for the seasons of life?   Adapted from: “The Soul Care Bible”  By: Tim Clinton                 I would like to know what you think...                  Every Friday we meet to pray for your loved-ones, for you and for the care staff.  Please let us know how we can pray for you.