“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”
Solomon had a lot to say about time, both how we spend it, and how it affects us. Because we live in time, we are bound by it; it causes us to grow old and for changes to occur. What we do with the time we have is of extreme importance, because we’re only guaranteed so much. We’re told that there is a time to laugh, and a time to cry, a time to speak, and a time to remain silent. Throughout life we experience different seasons or times for participating in certain jobs or activities. For me, I’m experiencing something Solomon didn’t quite mention, but is applicable for many people: A time to start, and a time to finish.
Yes, I’m wrapping up my senior year of college studies. After one more test, I will have completed my BA in Communications, and will receive a piece of paper commemorating that fact. A chapter of my life is closing, and a new chapter is opening up. Any time this happens, I’m prone to think about the future and what it will hold. Sometimes I know what that will look like, and can anticipate good things to come. Other times I have no idea and launching out into the realm of the unknown.
If there’s one thing my past experiences should have taught me, though, it’s that I don’t have to be afraid of that unknown. Sometimes it’s easier to say that than to believe it. And then I’m reminded that unless I’m willing to step out and do what I know to be true now, I probably won’t discern the next step that I need to take. I heard a quote one time that has taken on new significance for me as I launch out into the realm of job-searching and applying, and thinking about what I want to do with the rest of my life. “A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are for.”
I’ve been given a ship, and that is my life. I can choose to stay in the harbor, in the realm of the known. It’s tempting, because it’s secure and I don’t have to be afraid of making a wrong move, going the wrong way, or choosing the wrong course of action. I’ve also spent a lot of time in harbor preparing for the day when I’ll go out into the open sea. All in all, I’ve learned a lot in the harbor, and it can be a pretty comfortable place. But my life wasn’t given to me so that I could sit around and be “safe.” Like a ship, my life has purpose, and finishing my degree is just one small step in fulfilling that purpose. To stop now, to be afraid of what’s to come, would actually just be one step in the wrong direction; it would be to waste a gift I’ve been given. I hope that my ship won’t stay in harbor, but rather that the time I’ve spent in the harbor will prepare me for whatever storms I may face in the future, and that the times of cruising will be filled with joy.
There is a time to stay in the harbor, and a time to set sail. It doesn’t mean I’ll never be back in the harbor, but for now, my time to sail has come.
He has made everything beautiful in His time …
Marcie, this is beautiful. I wanted to share some thoughts I had, forgive me if I rabbit trail off somewhere ;) I love how you mention to not be afraid of the unknown. So many thoughts pop into my head when I read that! I thought about how God is a sovereign God and how God has a plan and that He never forsakes us (even though we can be unfaithful) (Psalm 37:28, Heb. 13:5-6) and whom then shall we fear? What then should we fear?
I also had a silly thought about Alice in Wonderland, when Alice is not sure which way to go and she is talking to the Cheshire Cat and she says, ” Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?” “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat. “I don’t much care where—” said Alice “Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat. “—– as long as I get somewhere,” Alice added as an explanation. “Oh you’re sure to do that,” said the Cat, “if you only walk long enough.” What I like so much about this part of Alice’s adventures is the idea of getting somewhere no matter which way you go. Now, of course maybe that somewhere isn’t always the best somewhere to be…and maybe it is a step in towards the wrong somewhere or it is the same place you have been for a long time… And I have been thinking a lot about seeking God’s will and where He wants me to be– and I don’t know quite where that is right now but I know it is somewhere and I want to be there :) I don’t want to stay in my safe harbor [any longer]. Unlike the Alice in the book, I DO care where I go and will certainly not be asking any cats for their advice :) And it is so ENCOURAGING to me to hear your BRAVERY as you are ” willing to step out and do what I know to be true now, I probably won’t discern the next step that I need to take” and that you care where you are going, knowing God has given your life a purpose.
The unknown can also be exciting! It sounds like you are embarking on an exciting adventure! I enjoyed your ship explanation- about setting sail and being in the harbor. And we can expect our ships to face certain danger and tribulation– sea storms, icebergs, a broken mast or compass, sea monsters?? — but God has warned us of this (2 Tim.3:12) and it is to strengthen our faith…our ship (1 Peter 1:6-7) And if we never leave harbor how can we ever grow? And you know what else is exciting? We may be afflicted but not crushed- perplexed but not despairing- persecuted but not forsaken- struck down but not destroyed (2 Cor. 4:8-9) because of Christ Jesus. Your writing is wonderful! Thanks for the encouragement ;)