A Time for Everything: Heath McSolvIn
Life is a constant flow of change. Some changes we choose, like starting a new job or a family. Others are thrust upon us, from unexpected health issues to the breakdown of relationships. No matter the cause, change is an undeniable part of the human experience. But how do we navigate these seasons with grace and resilience?
This blog post is inspired by a recent interview at One Church with Linda Bailey and Heath McSolvin, who shared openly about navigating significant life changes in our Father’s Day sermon. Their conversation was a powerful reflection on finding faith and purpose amidst the unpredictable rhythm of life, drawing its wisdom from the timeless words of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.
If you missed the interview, you can listen to it and watch the video below.
The book of Ecclesiastes, often attributed to King Solomon, is a profound reflection on the meaning of life. The passage we're focusing on, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, is one of the most famous parts of the book. It lays out a poetic list of opposites, reminding us that there is a 'time for everything'.
From "a time to be born and a time to die" to "a time to weep and a time to laugh," the passage presents a powerful truth: life isn’t a flat, steady line. It's a complex tapestry woven with seasons of joy and sorrow, gain and loss, growth and decline.
This text isn't about giving us a schedule for our lives. Instead, it's a reminder that both the good times and the difficult times are part of God's design. This understanding offers us a unique perspective on change: it is neither good nor bad in and of itself, but rather a natural and necessary part of our journey.
As Heath reflected in the interview, the most challenging part of change is often when we feel out of control. It's in those moments that we are forced to let go of our own plans and lean on something—or someone—else.
“There's a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens... A time to weep and a time to laugh.”
Connecting to Our Lives
For many of us, the idea of "a time for everything" can feel daunting. When we’re in a season of pain, like a job loss or a family crisis, we often want to fast-forward to the good times. But as Heath's story shows, it's often in the tough seasons that we experience our greatest growth.
Heath openly shared about his significant career changes, from working in the not-for-profit sector to becoming a paramedic, and then returning to his original field. But perhaps the most profound change he discussed was navigating life as a single father after the breakdown of his marriage.
This wasn't a choice he made for himself, but it was a situation he had to navigate with wisdom and grace. He and his ex-partner made a powerful and counter-cultural choice: to prioritise their children's well-being above their own personal feelings. They decided to live on the same property, ensuring the boys had a stable and consistent home life. .
This decision required humility and a willingness to put their kids "in the middle of every decision." This is a profound example of how we can respond to change. We may not have control over the circumstance, but we always have a choice in how we respond.
Heath's story reminds us that our primary call as believers is not to be in control, but to be responsive. Responding to our circumstances with grace, love, and a focus on what's truly important. It's a journey of continuously aligning our priorities with God's and trusting that He is with us through every single season.
“When you look at your kids as a parent and say, ‘I'm responsible for trying to make the best choices for them, and my actions will impact them,’ it becomes a little bit easier.”
Life's seasons are unpredictable. They will challenge our faith, test our resilience, and force us to confront our deepest fears. But they also offer opportunities for incredible growth and transformation. The key takeaway from Heath and Linda's conversation is this: while we can't control every change that comes our way, we can choose how we respond. We can choose to anchor ourselves in our faith, put the needs of others before our own, and trust that God is working in every season of our lives.
The beauty of our faith is that we're not alone in this. Our lives are meant to be lived in community, where we can be vulnerable and honest about our struggles. Just like Heath and Linda's conversation, our small groups offer a safe space to share our hearts, receive encouragement, and hold one another accountable in living out our faith.
One Way to Live It Out This Week
This week, intentionally reflect on a change you're currently navigating—whether it’s a big life shift or a small daily frustration. Take a moment to pause and ask yourself: how can I surrender a little more control in this situation and choose to respond with grace and wisdom?
A Prayer for Your Week
Heavenly Father, thank you for the promise that you are with us through every season. Help us to trust you when life changes unexpectedly. Give us the wisdom to make choices that honour you and bless those around us. In seasons of pain, give us hope. In seasons of joy, give us gratitude. Amen.
Reflection/Discussion Questions
For Personal Reflection
How has a recent or past change in your life—whether positive or negative—shaped your faith?
Thinking about the passage in Ecclesiastes, which of the "times" are you currently in? How do you feel about this season of life?
For Small Group Discussion
The interview touched on the idea that change is something we all experience. What's a small change you've navigated this week, and what was your initial reaction?
The sermon highlighted that we don't always have control over change, but we can control our response to it. Can you share an example from your own life where you had to choose your response to an uncontrollable change?
Heath spoke about putting his children's needs first during a difficult time. What does it look like to put others' needs before our own during times of personal change?
Heath mentioned he wants his faith to evolve and grow. In what ways has your faith changed over the years, and what has been a significant 'catalyst' for that change?
What are some of the external pressures or expectations (from culture, family, or work) that make it difficult for you to navigate change in a way that aligns with your faith?
The interview suggested that our priorities often get "out of whack" when we're busy. What are some practical rhythms or habits you have (or would like to have) to help you keep your priorities in alignment with what God wants for you?
How has being in a small group or Christian community helped you navigate a challenging season of change?
Thinking about the changes people are navigating in this group, let's take a moment to pray for one another. What is one area of change or transition that you would appreciate prayer for this week?