Verse of the Day for August 25

Nearly everyone agrees with this famous list in theory. A time to be born, a time to plant. The line that stops people is the last phrase of verse 2: a time to pluck up that which is planted.

Not weeds. Not a mistake. That which is planted. Something you put in the ground on purpose, perhaps with prayer, perhaps with tears. And the Preacher says there is a time when even that is pulled up.

This is hard wisdom. A ministry you started may need to end. A house you built may need to be sold. A role you loved may need to be handed to someone younger. None of this means the planting was wrong. It means a time to every purpose under the heaven includes endings.

The open hand is not indifference. A farmer who uproots a finished crop still loves the field. He simply knows the season has turned. Holding on beyond the season does not keep the crop alive. It only keeps the ground from the next planting.

Look at what you are gripping tightly. Ask God honestly whether its season is still now. If it is, keep tending it. If not, grieve it, thank him for it, and open your hand. The ground is his, and so is the next season.

Letting go of something good can be an act of faith, not failure.

An open hand is still a loving one.