Seeds For Thinking

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven;
(Ecclesiastes 3:1, NKJV)

Lists! Making lists seems to be a popular thing, and, to an extent, necessary. We make lists of things to do, like schedules, shopping lists, birthdays and anniversaries.
If you are like me, once more than one thing is on the agenda - even a little bit in advance - it better be written on the master calendar. Even so, a phone call from the doctor’s office, or the vet, sometimes sends us scrambling to the master schedule list to confirm the call. And - they do sometimes get their list messed up, and some juggling goes on. But, yes, something written down trumps brain cells for permanence.
There are two ways to go shopping for the daily bread, experts say. One method is to go to the store, walk the aisles, scanning the goodies, say, “I need that,” and toss it in the cart. Still, the pantry shelves sometimes end up with a stash of an item that we are sure is in demand, until we add the new supply to it.
The better way is to take - you guessed it! - a shopping list. Now this takes will power, or perhaps ‘Won’t power.’ If you fully develop that list, and stick to it as you traverse the racks and shelves, if you summon up the courage of your convictions and walk on by those tempting displays that practically reach out and grab your hand, you will end up with fewer items in the cart, and a lower number at the checkout.
A list containing names of items is not enough when shopping for clothing, hardware, or maintenance supplies. Especially if the designated shopper is not the person needing the item. The designee typically stands staring at an unbelievable array of choices in color, size, quality and other miscellany that boggle the mind. That’s why you so often see a shopper standing in front of a furlong sized display with a cell phone pressed to their ear.
Sewing supplies, nuts and bolts, potions, lotions and notions! Our society is certainly productive. Sizes most definitely matter, as well as content, additives, containers and material. Physical properties, all. A list is mandatory.
Another currently popular list is the “Bucket List,” things to do before you “kick the bucket”- that is, die. Perhaps it could be called a life list. One internet site that I found advises to “stop putting off your dreams for ‘someday,’ and ask yourself, “If I had one year left to live, what would I be sure to do.?”
Typical list suggestions include trips, adventures, and special activities. Visit that exotic spot; ride a camel; parachute from an airplane; drive a racing car; climb a mountain. That sort of thing.
Ecclesiastes Chapter 3 presents a well-known list of life events, including:

“A time to be born, and a time to die;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to love, and a time to hate.”

Verse 11 states that God has made everything beautiful in its time, and put eternity in our hearts. Nothing is better than to rejoice, and do good during life.
“I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing can be taken from it.” (verse 14)
The ‘Preacher’ concludes, “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil. (Ecc. 12:14)
Eternity is forever! Be sure your list includes preparations.