To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;     Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 KJV

At this time last year, I had travelled to New York with friends and family. While there we made new friends and had a wonderful time. We soaked in the city and all the beautiful decorations they put up every year at Christmas time. We saw the tree at Rockefeller Center and watched the Rockettes perform in their Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. We spent time in Central Park and of course, we shopped. We all had a joyous and carefree time. We had no idea what was coming our way.

Within just a few short months of our return home we would all be introduced to Covid-19 and would face things like lockdowns, curfew, and mandatory mask orders. Businesses and schools would be shut down and travel would be discouraged and even in some areas prohibited.

One year ago was such a joyous time of celebration. Who knew what our future would hold?

But, praise God, we all know who holds our future. There have been many changes in our lives this year, but God has been with us to see us through them all. He is still helping us as we deal with challenges that come our way each day. We’ve suffered loss during this year. We’ve also seen God’s healing power. We struggle with bad news trusting God to bring us through.

The wonderful thing about that trip is that it was with friends and family who were like minded when it comes to loving the Lord. It made for a fun and easy trip.

I don’t know where you were one year ago today, but if you weren’t in a right relationship with the Lord, know there is still time. I am sad to say that I have lost several friends this year, two just this past weekend. Some from COVID and some have suffered from other ailments. The saddest thing about loss is when we just don’t know whether or not that person was saved. In both instances, I have regretted not talking with them more about that subject. In both cases, when I saw them they were happy and full of life and then just a short time later, I heard they had passed away.

Our scripture passage tells us that there is a time for everything. I am so thankful that God made it possible for me to spend that time with my family and friends last year. It was truly a wonderful time and I hope that we will all be able to do it again in the future. It was truly a time to laugh and to dance and to enjoy life.

Sadly, this year has been a time for weeping and mourning at times. But whatever time we are in, we know that God is not surprised by what’s happening. He was not surprised by this pandemic. When we are born, He knows what day we will die. Only we are surprised by the death of a friend or loved one. He has appointed that time (Hebrews9:27). The Bible also tells us that time is different with God in that one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like a day (2 Peter 2:8). 2 Peter 3:9 tells us that the Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with us not wanting anyone to perish but for all of us to repent and be saved.

Life is like a roller coaster, filled with ups and downs. We never know what is headed our way, but we all know that we will suffer a physical death at some point. We also know that all those that we love and care about will also someday suffer a physical death. This doesn’t mean we or they have to die. We can repent and have eternal life with God the Father.

One year ago today, I was having a wonderful time and was excited about the holiday season. Today, I have some regrets. I regret that I didn’t reach out to my friends and talk to them about what the Lord has done in my life. I no longer have that chance with them, but I pray that God will give me that opportunity with others.

No matter what you are doing a year from now, I pray that it is without regret. Turn to Him today. If you are in a right relationship with Him, share that with others. This is an urgent matter. One year from today may be too late. Don’t delay.

Have a great day!