Changing Seasons, Changing Attitudes: the Journey of Moral Living

“everything has an appointed season, and there is a time for every matter under the heaven. a time to give birth and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to uproot that which is planted. a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to break and a time to build. a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time of wailing and a time of dancing. a time to cast stones and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing. a time to rend and a time to sew; 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

this powerful and wonderful poetry illustrates the human condition. as humans, our beliefs, actions and feeling change.

this is true with the ten commandments. at times, people have a belief and disbelief of god. at times, people embrace and take the time off for the sabbath and at other times not. at times, people honor their parents and at other times they are in conflict with them. at times, a marriage is strong and the urge to seek other relationships is non-existent. at times, a marriage is poor and the thoughts of adultery become enticing. at times, it is easy to tell the truth. at times, it is hard to be truthful. moving through life challenges one’s adherence to the principals of the ten commandments.

the journey through life causes our attitudes and actions to change. triumph and tragedy can shape one’s views. thus is life. we must accept that we may never have consistency.

ecclesiastes continues and notes that there is “nothing better for them but to rejoice and to do good during his lifetime.”

in sum, while our attitudes may change we can maintain a constant commitment to do good over our lifetime.

likewise, while, we can commit to trying to maintain the principals of the ten commandments. in doing so, perhaps a parent child dispute can be shortened. perhaps, a problematic marriage can be healed. perhaps, a renewed commitment to taking off for the sabbath can occur.

in sum, the ten commandments can provide a pathway back from the difficult times that life presents.

be well!