A Time for Everything
To everything is a season
And a time to every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born 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.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
I found this passage in a book called Stand Tall. It is written by Joan Bauer. It is about a twelve year old boy, in middle school, who is tall and clumsy, and dealing with his parents divorce. He is assisting his grandfather in coming to terms with his disability, rehab, and memories of Vietnam War. Tree’s grandfather is helping him with his self-confidence. Moreover, Tree stands with Sophia who is combating her tormentors (bullies) in school; he realizes he is not alone in his struggle to accept himself and his differences. Sophia tells him to stand tall. He learns to deal with conflict with courage and determination.
We all can interpret this passage in many ways.The passage “A time to search and a time to give up” really defines where I’m at right now. There are times we spend parts of our lives looking for something that is lost. There comes a time we have to face reality what we had is lost forever. For me, my teaching career is over. I fought many years to keep it going, but there comes a time when we all must move on. The sacrifices my family made, the hard work and money spent on becoming a teacher is at an end; all because I did the right thing.
I’ve thrown many stones at the people who did this to me. Maybe, its time to make something out of those stones. I need to find the time to laugh and dance after mourning and weeping many of days, months, and years. I’ve been too silent too long and will continue and find a way to speak out on the injustice in the education system. Lastly, as a teacher, I must love my work and the students I have taught. Moreover, we must hate the injustice and hypocrisy whenever we see it. This is what I see the last line is telling me “A time for war and a time for peace.”
Please take the time to reflect on the passage to where you been, where you are now, and where you want to be tomorrow. Lets have a conversation and speak with one voice.
Norbert
