An ancient King named Solomon recorded his thoughts and beliefs in the 10th Century BCE. Solomon is celebrated by Judeo-Christian devotees as the Preacher or Teacher King, and he offered many thoughts about the reasoning and nature of humankind in books of proverbs and songs.
In this blog, I want to touch upon a well-known poem Solomon wrote. It is recorded in the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 3, verses 1-8 (KJV). I quote:
“To every thing there is a season and a time to every purpose under the 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;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.”
Solomon, considered a wise man in his time, shares his belief that all of this swinging of the pendulum during the course of a lifetime is futile. The tone of his book is rather grim. He concluded the book of Ecclesiastes with a strong warning telling us to live in fear of God and His judgment. Many Judeo-Christian followers continue to live in fear of their God and a coming judgment day. Other western religions promote fear also. This too shall pass.
We are experiencing a transition of belief on our planet at this time. This shift in belief is moving the mass consciousness away from fear into an era of love-based connection. We are free to love and be loved by the god of our personal understanding. The fear of an unforgiving creator is fading away. Our global shift is moving humanity into a time of peace, compassion, abundance, and understanding. With a vision of our global shift in mind, I respectfully play with the words of Solomon.
To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose in creation: A time to birth a love-based world; a time to allow fear to pass; a time to plant the seeds of change, and a time to harvest our new way of living together; a time to surrender our ways of fear, and a time to heal; a time to dissolve barriers between us, and a time to build trust; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to release heaviness, and a time to gracefully hold heaviness without fear; a time to embrace, and a time to lovingly let go; a time to receive, and a time to give; a time to gently hold gifts, and a time to share all; a time to part, and a time to mend; a time to be still, and a time to act; a time to teach love, and a time to melt hate; a time to soften conflict, and a time of peace.
I acknowledge that even this emerging golden era will pass. This is the way of things in our impermanent reality. Yet, I am blessed to be here now participating in our magnificent renaissance. Thank you for reading my blog, beloved teachers, healers, and leaders of change.
I have always loved the writing of Solomn in Ecclesiates. You mention that it “appears” dark or gloomy with a first reading. But, I’ve always looked a little deeper in to this writing and I see something special; something wonderful that he is telling us. That our happiness is no further than our own front yard. Maybe I stole that one, but I think it is true. Our creator gave us a wonderful world in which to live. The creator gave us a heart for happiness and love. We spend so much time chasing these two things when in reality it is right here; within us. The love that we desire and the happiness we want comes from within. Solomn tried everything in his power and nothing brought him what he was seeking. Eat, drink and be marry for this is man’s lot in life. Our creator gave us the greatest gift ever – that within us is all we need to live at peace with ourself and the world around us. Once we find true love within us then happiness follows and peace is close by. Too many of us “chase the wind” looking for something that is right at our own front yard.
Thank you for sharing your insight with us, David. I agree with you completely. Chasing happiness or love by looking for it “out there” leads to sorrow, and this is what Solomon and you clearly point out. The part of Ecclesiastes that I find rather dire is the warnings that we must fear God and His judgment. I think Solomon offered wise insight regarding “man’s reasoning”. He was indeed a wise man. He helped us see that true joy and love is found in our relationship with God (or the creator, or whatever name one prefers). I love the way you shared this point with me and our readers. I’m so grateful for your contribution. Shine on! 🙂