Nine months is a magical timeframe.  It immediately connects to pregnancy and the new life that develops in that time.  It is amazing what God can do in that time frame.  Sperm and egg join and develop into a life – not merely a baby, or a person, but a life. 

 
That life will have countless impacts upon the world.  That baby born nine months later will be the object of untold love by parents, grandparents and family.  That child will be someone’s best friend while creating and sharing memories with hundreds of people along the way.  They will accomplish remarkable things in school, athletics, music, drama, or some other area of interest.  They will earn trophies, awards, diplomas and salaries.  Ultimately, they will be chosen by another to be loved above all other – joining together in a relationship that will create more children and grandchildren to be loved.  They will accomplish great things, ultimately leaving an indelible mark on the lives of their loved ones before receiving their eternal reward with God in heaven.  It’s a long and amazing journey, but it all starts in just nine months.

 
As life begins within that timeframe, it might be worth our while to assess our lives every nine months – to see how we have grown and changed over that time.  I find myself doing that very thing this morning.  I am sitting in the terminal at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, awaiting my flight home.  Nine months ago, I found myself in the same airport, preparing to make the same transcontinental trip.  Looking back to only January, I am astonished by the amazing twists and turns my life has taken over that time.  I won’t go into detail – that would take too long.  But the man sitting here today is vastly different.  I’ve learned much, grown in many ways, and have experienced the most remarkable highs and lows of my life.

 
Ecclesiastes 3 talks about the times of our lives.  I’m not going to post it here, but I would encourage you to read the chapter as you consider my words.  However, I will sum up my thoughts on it through the words of verse 11…

 
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

 
Life is filled with countless opportunities which can leave us asking God, “Why?”  What I have learned is to change my question to, “What are you teaching me, Lord?”  In this change, I find more joy in the positives, peace for the difficulties, confidence in the process and hope for the future.  The things I’ve gained will stay with me forever.  The things I’ve lost will be restored in God’s perfect timing.  But through it all, God will be glorified and I will be blessed.

 
My plane is boarding – my journeys are about to begin.