To every thing there is a season

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

¹To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
 ²A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
 ³A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
 ⁴A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
 ⁵A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
 ⁶A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
 ⁷A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
 ⁸A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Our days are filled with mixed feelings.  A year ago, my father passed away.  We knew his time was drawing close, but we didn't know how close.  The night before he died, we talked to the nurses and family - we thought he had a few days left, so we went home to get rest.  My mom and I regret not being there, yet we know that he would not have expected us to stay - he was ready to go and meet the Lord and never wanted to inconvenience us.  Before I left him for the last time, I told him I hoped to see him again, but if he wanted to go, it was okay.

My delightful great-niece Ava is three years old today.  My daughter is 28 and I'm looking forward to celebrating with her tomorrow.  Having children is one of the greatest joys in my life.  Amy is a delight. 

Today we also enjoyed an art show by Micah Bloom, We have known him for many years and it is wonderful to see the talented father and man of God that his has become.  One of my favorite things about getting old is watching children become men and women.  I really like life.