Time
I lived by the bell of a school classroom for many years and it has marked me. I operated my professional life within finite segments that constrained me to complete my lessons and give closure for the concepts I had introduced. What a paradigm shift since retirement! A phone call or a farm distraction can disrupt my work in ways I hadn’t anticipated. This fall I learned I don’t even need anyone else to get off task. I opened a closet to begin cleaning out which led me to open a drawer of pictures which then led to looking for a certain photograph and …Boom my afternoon was gone.
After several months, I ‘ve gone back to the days of objectives. They aren’t written in a plan book, but I do write them on stickies for the refrigerator. I have learned Bible study and exercise must come first or they won’t get done. Chores that require great energy come before the less taxing ones. I’ve learned to set the stove timer to warn me it’s time to get dinner started for my husband. Leisure reading must come only after the final kitchen chores of the day. I even schedule time with my other retired friends because we have new ministries and obligations.
Job 24:1 says our “times are not hidden from the Almighty.” He knows how we use our time and how many days we have. That’s an awesome but scary thought that our time here on earth is limited. Ephesians 5:15,16 says “Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless but as wise (sensible, intelligent people.) Making the very most of the time (buying up each opportunity) …” (AMP). Thus, our impact for Christ needs to be great. My method of impact on others has certainly changed this last year, but not the necessity to make an impact.
I’ve been interested recently in the various versions of Psalm 31:15.
“My times are in your hands” NIV
“Hour by hour I place my days in your hands” MSG
“The course of my life is in your power” CSB
“My future is in your hands” GW
All of these versions reveal that we must trust God with the whole span of our days as well as the minutes that take us from one chore or joy or crisis to the next. We must live God-conscious always. And God-purposed.
Oh Lord God, you know all about our time. Beginning and end. Make me wise in its use for you.
Oh Luwana, I definitely need this today! I am so easily distracted at times. I set out to do something and I get distracted by other things and nothing gets done. Thank you for this encouragement to, make the most of my time.
Thank you for the reminder that out time is limited this side of heaven. May I use mine to His glory.