Seasons

I have always been drawn to Ecclesiastes 3. I can't explain why other than it was a reminder that there is a time and a place for everything in our lives. It reads, "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.9 What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?10 I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.12 I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life."

I have went through many seasons in my lifetime. I have experienced the weeping but have enjoyed the laughter. I have mourned as loved ones have passed but have danced with joy when a life was born. I could go verse by verse with examples but I won't for the sake of time. 

I am at a new season right now, one in which I never thought I would be. Almost six years ago, I joined a local volunteer for department in a support role only. It was in this season that I learned a lot about myself. I learned that I could do more than I ever thought possible in and of myself. I faced fears that I did not know were so great and overcame them to become a certified volunteer firefighter through my state. I now know that the purpose of that season was two-fold in nature. I had to learn my inner strength for myself with my tenacity to keep pushing forward. But it was also a means to get me to where I am today.

Had it not been for this season at the fire department, I would have not met who is now my pastor. As my assistant chief there, I found a listening ear to share my burdens with. But that lead to me finding a relationship with Jesus. 

Letting go is hard. Each time I have been asked about giving up the fire department, turning in my gear and walking away, my eyes would fill with tears and I couldn't imagine my life without it. But over the past year, I have seen myself in another light and being in turnout gear on the side of the highway for a wreck or running into a fire is not it. Oh, don't get me wrong, there is a fire to run into but it's not in a physical sense. The only gear I need is the full armor of God and the Holy Ghost.

There is a world of people that need help all around us daily. I work for an answering service that allows me to speak with hundreds of people daily. The tone of my voice and my ability to be a comfort in what may be a tragic time for them goes a long way. Sometimes they just need to know that they are being heard. 

Did I think I would be here three years ago? No. I was 23-19, firefighter Parker. I wanted to run every call and would get so upset when something happened at work. I actually wanted someone to be in a wreck just so I could run a call. Please forgive me for that. I believe I told Chief Pitts and Assistant Chief Teeples during my interview for the department that I just wanted to help people.  That hasn't changed, only the place that I help. The greatest place of service is the prayers prayed from one's knees. 

It's a new season and I'm grateful.

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