In his article ‘The Significance of Now’, writer and researcher Joe Wharton says:
‘The stories of our lives contain many chapters. Some are exciting, some are dull, some change gradually, some very suddenly. Some we choose and some we don’t… whatever stage of life you’re in right now, God is with you there…’
Wharton describes three big questions for every chapter: ‘Identity – who am I?’, ‘Purpose – what should I do?’, ‘Relationships – who am I connecting with?’
Musing… People I’ve chatted with this week…
…Young people… their next chapter at school, college and university… their identity – strengths and weaknesses, character, growing up… their purpose and activity – different lessons, homework, clubs and hobbies… their relationships – old friendships developed, new friendships formed, teachers…
…Adult friends… their next chapter at work, in their families… their identity as parent, salesman, carer, teacher, wage-earner… their purpose and activity in the home, factory, church, workplace… relationships within their families, with colleagues, clients, students, patients…
…Older friends… the next chapter in retirement… their identity as grandparent, volunteer, patient… time for new activities, but frustration at diminishing energy, strength and perceived usefulness and value… long-standing relationships…some have grown and matured, others are stagnant and sour…
Musing… What about me?
Who am I? I know who I used to be… husband, father, teacher, preacher, musician, manager, leader… but who am I now?
What should I do? I can’t do what I did because I’m not the person I was. And my purpose?
Who am I connecting with? In my home, at Costa, church or Men’s Shed? Are my relationships helpful, valuable? Am I building established friendships, forming new ones?
…Returning to wise words in Ecclesiastes: ‘To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven.’
…the list of all the times and seasons… for birth and death, weeping and laughing, mourning and dancing, gathering and scattering, silence and speech… all linked to identity, purpose and relationships…
‘He has made everything beautiful in its time…’ All in balance… none more important than the other…
malcolmsmusings.org 
When I first heard The Byrds sing “Turn, Turn, Turn,” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 became one of my favorite Biblical passages. 🙂
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Ecclesiastes 3 is a chapter that I’ve returned to many times over the years, Nancy. Each time I learn, and receive fresh insight.
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Who am I? What should I do? Who am I connecting with? Now is significant, isn’t it, Malcolm? I always ponder and appreciate your musings. Truth and wisdom are woven together. Great thoughts, conversations,and verses. There’s a season for everything. I think often of this new season I’m in. And what I once was~identity? In Christ. Yet, I’m human and have placed worth in position. That’s gone. “Lord, help my posture. So I’m in a better position to use the gifts of yesterday, today, and what I’ll learn tomorrow to share your love and truth.”
God bless you, Malcolm.🙏🏻
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Thanks for your kind thoughts, Karla. I love your rambling reflections. It’s the way my mind works too. We hope and pray that through our ramblings we will somehow line up our minds with God’s mind and discern his thoughts, truth and love.
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I’m in good company! I’m so glad God gets me. He understands my mind drills things down (and around lol) to get to the heart (and meat?) of what matters. Some in my family call me overthinker and perhaps slow. Happy Friday to you and yours!
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