“To everything, there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1
Let me pose a question to you today. Do you believe everything happens for a reason?
Today, I can’t stop thinking about the words from the book of Ecclesiastes 3:1
My purpose for asking this question is many times at least for me I try to follow or understand what the Holy Spirit is speaking to me about.
This is not meant to be a sermon or intended to give you any prophecies. It is however for me to share my faith and understanding God’s grace on my specific calling or purpose in life.
It’s also about following your intuition in life and being the best version of yourself.
This past weekend I attended my 50th Class Reunion in Williamsburg, VA and it was spectacular.
Ironically, a few months prior I was thinking about when my 50th Class Reunion was when one of my friends was telling me about attending her class reunion.
About 30 days later, I received a letter in the mail from the committee chairperson notifying me of my 50th class reunion. The letter provided what steps to take on Facebook and the email addresses to contact them if I was going to attend.
Without hesitation I began to make plans to attend this historic event, knowing 50 years is a milestone that many have yet to experience.
When I arrived at the Hotel this past Thursday night, one of my classmates, which I didn’t recognize, politely asked me if I was there for the Denbigh High School 50th Class Reunion.
It was through that conversation that lasted an hour when I found out the last and only class reunion (our tenth year) happened in 1984.
I also attended our tenth-year class reunion.
Knowing that information made this past weekend even more special hearing her speak about those she hung out with and that she was responsible for finding the venue for the dinner on Saturday night.
It was heartbreaking to also hear of those who were deceased and how God has allowed me the opportunity to be in the presence of all those attending this past weekend.
In addition, during the tour of our high school, we went into the cafeteria, and I asked if it was okay to speak to the Varsity Football Team. They were assembled there with the coach before they played our rival on Friday night.
I was given the green light to speak as many of my classmates who listened to me also attended the game and tried to reenergize our losing team to excel. It was an experience that you just had to be there to experience.
Although we may have lost the football game, in spirit, we won by being present for our team.
Embracing “Everything happens for a reason,” and what took place this weekend was the fellowship and seeing each other while everyone caught up on each other’s lives and events.
Knowing that family is important, anytime I’m close or in the vicinity of where I grew up, I also spent some time with two of my siblings, which made it special. I was also able to pay my respects by visiting my mother’s gravesite with one of my sisters who lives in the area.
This weekend although fast-paced pace reminded me of Seals & Crofts – We May Never Pass This Way Again.
Today, I realize how blessed I am knowing fifty years ago to have graduated from High School, gone straight into the Army, attained the rank of Command Sergeant Major, and retired twice (Military and Civilian).
It’s a humbling experience when you find out those who are not here today, and you are by the grace of God.
I am so glad that I listened to the Holy Spirit in deciding to attend my 50th class reunion. Had I not I would not have connected with who our family affectionately calls “Mom’s Angel!” (Karen). My mother worked for Dr. Karen as her Dental Assistant.
After Dr. Karen retired, she and my mother forged a bond well beyond anything we could imagine. Karen would drive from Williamsburg to Hampton, which on a good day is a 30-minute drive when traffic is flowing well. Karen would take my mother to hospital appointments; help clean her house while living in an Assisted Living Community and pick up her medications for her.
This is why we call her Mom’s Angel.
I was Dr. Karen’s last weekend in Williamsburg, VA before moving to Colorado to assist her daughter.
Karen made a special trip to visit me and my wife on Friday, which was ironically All Saint’s Day.
On Saturday, I visited my Mother’s Gravesite which was All Souls Day.
I could not have planned what happened this weekend any better.
The entire weekend was humbling and rewarding. A tour of our school, Pizza at a local (nostalgic establishment) that celebrated 50 years of existence, a Football Game, and a Banquet.
When I read the names of my classmates who were deceased and looked at all the pictures displayed many died before they turned 50 years old.
I may not know of the specific circumstances behind their deaths; however, I do know that each of them is my classmates and it’s by God’s grace that I’m here today.
Today, I challenge everyone to take a moment and reflect on the words “Everything there is a season, and everything happens at just the right time.”
Each of us is blessed to be alive and in sound mind.
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” ~ Mae West
Everything Happens for a Reason
Our lives are like abstract paintings. It begins with a blank canvas, guided by the artist’s basic goals. From there, it flows according to what unfolds; often, we can’t plan ahead. We must respond to events as they arise, and sometimes this leads to unexpected, pleasant surprises.
Life is similar. Unexpected events occur, and we must navigate them. Through this process, we learn and our lives can take exciting, positive turns.
We frequently find ourselves at crossroads, unsure of the outcome. Instead of simply believing that everything happens for a reason, I prefer to focus on making the best choices with the knowledge we have at the moment.
While we cannot control what happens to us, we can control how we respond.
We come into this world only once, so let’s make the most of it.
“Everything there is a season, and everything happens at just the right time.”
My faith does not die if the answer to my prayer comes slowly. The delay is God’s way of working his will in my life. When I reframe setbacks as opportunities I usually gain much more than I lost.
Brother McKinley,
I do believe there are no coincidences, and that things happen for a reason. Life is about what you make it, but all things are pre-ordained by God to take us where we need to be.
The plans for life are already known by the Sovereign One but it is up to each person to choose the gate to enter that life divinely purposed. Upon entrance, it leads to abundant experiences full of wonders, signs and miracles.