There is a Season for Everything

The first known written record of the phrase, “All good things must come to an end” comes from the medieval poet, Geoffrey Chaucer who is most known for his epic story, The Canterbury Tales. However, his poem, Troilus and Criseyde contains the line written in Middle English: “But at the laste, as every thing hath edne.” In the latter 17th Century the phrase was modified to read, “All things must end,” and it was not until later that the word “good” found its way into the saying. Thus we have one of the most universally used and recognized idioms around the world: “All good things must come to an end.”

The phrase suggests that nothing lasts forever and serves as a reminder to appreciate good moments while they last. Thus is the case for my tenure of blog writing via my website (www.ruthwaring.com). On July 7th I will have accomplished thirteen years of a regular monthly blog post, having begun in earnest posting every eight days or so for the first year and a half…rather imposing when I think back on those early years! However, in 2014 logic prevailed and I determined that a monthly post would be more practical, not only for my own schedule but for anyone interested in reading what I had to share.

And share I did!

Over the years my posts have focused on what was happening in our current world, as well as in my own. From the loss of my older brother and my only sister to happier events that included holidays, our home-away-from-home at our trailer at Muskoka Bible Centre, happenings in my children’s and grandchildren’s lives, and in the past year and a half the birth of two (soon to be three) great grandchildren! I have shared my journey of authorship of three novels*, as well as events that have been humorous, thought-provoking, and hopefully, challenging. I have also expressed my thoughts and/or opinions when I disagreed, was dismayed, or was disturbed about a particular topic, person, or comment. I made a sincere effort to share, in honesty, my reaction and response. Almost always—either in a simple verse or a longer prose— I have shared my personal faith in Christ as my Lord and Saviour. In fact, as the years evolved, I found that the more I studied God’s Word—which I have become addicted to!—the more my blogs had something to say that were centred on Him, if only through a verse from the Scriptures.

Having said that—and since I am a worder who loves to put thoughts into words—I will continue sharing via an email format. Should you want to stay in touch, let me know via email or a comment in this blog and I will be more than happy to include you in my future thoughts and words!

As a closing, may I intrude on your time for one more moment.

The following is taken from Daily Bible Readings, published in 1863, and compiled by the Late Rev. James Smith** from Cheltenham, England, with the Preface dated London, August 1849. This devotional was preceded by The Believer’s Daily Remembrancer, written for the “poor of my own flock” and “to be kept constantly at hand for the refreshment of those who had but little time to spare.” The Daily Bible Readings was passed down from an unknown source (to me) to my mother, Ella Warford who gave it to me.

The ways of God are wonderful; they strike us with surprise. His condescension is so great, His mercy is so free, His power is so vast, and His righteousness is so glorious that when we see them displayed in His dealings with us, or with those about us, we are led to exclaim, “Lord, who is like unto thee?” 

Jehovah has no equal. He is infinitely superior to all other. His ways are as much above our ways as the heavens are above the earth. He doeth wondrous things. Let us then look to Him and expect Him to work wondrously. He says, “Call upon me, and I will shew thee great and mighty things that thou knowest not.” 

When we can expect from no other, we may expect from our God. When no one else can 
help us, He can deliver us with ease. His word is given; His mind is unchangeable; His ways are at times mysterious; but mercy and truth always go before His face. Our God is incomparable! And this is true of His mercy, pity, power, compassion, forbearance, holiness, and love.

There is none like You, O Lord;
You are great, and great is Your name in might.
Jeremiah 10:6

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth;
Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all.
Chronicles 29:11

There is a season for everything, and as my website comes to a close, I want to thank you for indulging me these past thirteen years. And as the Lord leads, I will continue to remain a worder for Him!

* Come Find Me; Then Came a Hush; Harvest of Lies

** James Smith (1802-1862) was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel in London from 1841-1850. He also ministered with great blessing in Cheltenham. His devotional, The Believer’s Daily Remembrancer, subtitled Pastor’s Morning and Evening Visit was very popular in its own day and has received a new lease on life through a recent republication in 2009.