One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh; but the earth abideth forever. The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose. The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits. All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.
— Ecclesiastes 1:5–7
No question, cycles are fundamentally woven into the fabric of life. King Solomon, in the book of Ecclesiastes, paints a vivid picture of the earth’s rhythmic order — an order sustained only by the hand of Someone divine. Everything we see, touch, smell, and hear was created with intention.
If you’ve ever been captivated by the grandeur of creation, as I have, left in awe and wonder, it is because the One behind it all is God. His name is Jehovah. His existence precedes time itself — He eternally is. There was never a moment when He was not.
His forethought is limitless, beyond human comprehension. But isn’t that exactly what we should expect? He is God. Unlike humanity, He is perfectly divine — omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. His knowledge is unsearchable; therefore, He never needs counsel, instruction, or direction from anyone. (Isaiah 40:13–14)
He has and continues to “work all things after the counsel of His own will.” (Ephesians 1:11)
God’s plan is vast and at times He seems mysterious. Yet, so obvious that He says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handywork.” (Psalm 19:1)
We can look around and see the powerful testimony of the order of nature. Every part of creation is fashioned this way. It’s what makes the world go round. This includes humanity.
I am humbled by it all, as every soul on the planet should be. Think about life — it is like a drop in the ocean, a grain of sand in the Sahara Desert, a vapor. Unlike our Creator, you and I have a beginning and an end. Despite humanity’s endless search for longevity, all flesh is grass. Life has a cycle, and it will inevitably wither and die.
Whether rich or poor, regardless of race or gender, each individual plays a vital role. Yet this is not the end. While physical life ceases, there is an afterlife to consider. (Isaiah 44:24; Colossians 1:16–17)
THE BREVITY OF LIFE
“The days of our years are threescore years and ten… so teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
— Psalm 90:10–12
The psalmist highlights the importance of applying the heart wisely during one’s earthly cycle.
Consider these truths:
- Life is brief
- Labor and sorrow are part of the human experience
- God teaches us how precious time is
- Wisdom helps us live with eternal purpose
- Reverence for God brings understanding
Your Creator desires good paths for you and your children. While we are here on earth, humanity is given the opportunity to know the force behind the cycles — and that force is God.
Thousands of years of human history testify to an inevitable end. No one can extend their time beyond what is appointed.
The path one chooses matters greatly. Scripture speaks of only two:
- The path of the wise
- The path of the foolish
Both carry consequences.
If one desires success, wisdom must be chosen intentionally. (Proverbs 16:16)
Yet even for the sinner, there is redemption. God’s mercy restores.
Cycles Produce Results
Cycles always produce something:
- Seasons — the earth’s natural rhythm
- Expectation — conception brings hope
- Preparation — readiness for what’s next
- Generations — the old passing, the new rising
This brings me to the inspiration behind this blog.
During a transition season, I found myself doing laundry at a laundromat. The attendant, Melody, greeted me warmly. Something about her stood out — I felt led to share Christ with her.
While using the dryer, she said:
“Twenty-five cents for every sixteen minutes.”
Sixteen minutes?
That moment sparked something deep.
As I watched the clothes tumble, I realized:
This is life.
Everything enters a cycle — it begins, moves, and ends.
Life is like a shooting star — bright, brief, and gone.
We Enter the World as Fragile Beings — and Leave the Same Way
Later, while working in a thrift store, I saw a donation that told a story.
It belonged to someone who had passed away.
Their belongings — clothes, shoes, photos, artwork — all left behind.
At the end, there were items that showed they needed care before death.
It was a full picture of a life lived.
And a reminder:
We enter fragile… and we leave the same way.
There is no adding time to life like coins in a machine.
Once life ends — it ends.
And eternity begins.
What will you do with your time?
What will you do with your “sixteen minutes”?
“I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation…”
— Romans 1:16
I shared Christ with Melody — and her heart opened.
That moment reminded me:
Time matters. Eternity matters.
Only What You Do for Christ Will Last
Life is directly connected to eternity.
There are only two outcomes:
- Eternal life
- Eternal separation
If you desire eternal life:
Follow Christ.
Live for Him.
Because in the end:
Only what you do for Christ will last.