Time

There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

     a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,
     a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
     a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,
     a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
     a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
     a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,
     a time to love and a time to hate,

   a time for war and a time for peace. 

Dear God,

Thank you for being in charge of time. I think we'd botch it up if You left it up to us. We are brilliant at making a mess of things. Thank you for taking that which Satan has meant for evil and using it for Your good. 

Thank you for numbering our days... there is comfort and peace in knowing that all things happen in Your perfect time, according to Your will for our lives. 

Today, we are reminded not to squander it. Or take it for granted. Today, we remember that each moment we are alive is a gift from you. Today, we surrender control of our days to You. Use them for Your purposes. 

Today, we know, that despite our brokeness, You can still use us for great and mighty things. 

Regardless of how we spend our days, please shine through us to the dark corners of our world. Ignore our whining... use us anyways. You are good. And we trust You.

Be with the Priebe family this week as they rely on You for strength. Fill them with joy as they celebrate Justin's life. And cover them with Your divine peace so they can rest at night.  

Amen.