What about time?

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 "For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which has been planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep silent and a time to speak; a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace."

Ephesians 5:15-17 "Be very careful, then how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil, therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is."

Ecclesiastes 12:13 "This is the end of the matter; all had been heard: Fear God, and keep His commandments; for this the whole duty of man. "

I have been thinking quite a lot about time lately. As my eyes open each morning to the faithful sunrise, I am stuck by this obedient soldier; time. He dutifully passes, steadily, second after second, minute after minute, and hour after hour never does he hesitate or waver. He is constant.

As a child I would greet the last day of school with excitement and the two months of summer vacation would seem to be a very long, amazing adventure. Now a month's time passes so quickly. I have experienced nights that have seemed to go on forever, caring for a sick child, fighting insomnia due to anxiety and fear, or laboring to bring a baby into the world. I have also experienced perfect days that seem to fly by ending way sooner than I would have wanted. The truth is that this faithful soldier has always marched at the same pace - second to second, minute to minute, and hour to hour.

Time is given to all of us and even though a day's time is the same for everyone, we do not know how many days we will be granted in our lifetime. Yet, time marches on like a faithful friend. We can count on this truth.

I have been asking myself, lately, to evaluate how I am doing with this gift of time. It marches on for sure but what am I doing to use these moments for the glory of God and for the betterment of others? Am I wasting this precious gift or taking every chance I get to use the time I am given in the best way possible?

As Christ's representatives here on Earth, our use of time should always reflect the character of the One we serve; the Creator and giver of time. When Jesus was God dwelling in flesh, the usage of His time was purposeful and focused on one goal; sharing the message of God and His kingdom. So , I ask myself, am I purposeful in my use of time? Is the time I am given filled with the fruit of the Spirit? Am I sharing God's messages? Am I using my time wisely, making the most of every opportunity?

The simple example of how we manage our time can model so many things for our children, either for the positive or negative. The book of proverbs has many verses that warn against laziness and wasting time. We can never get the moments we waste back. Once the time is wasted or misused, it cannot be changed. Those moments are gone forever. This fact motivates me to forget the past and move forward toward working on using my time in better ways, more fruitful ways, ways that glorify God and edify people.

We are not promised tomorrow. James 4:14 says, "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. "

I want to do today what is positive. I want to say today what needs to be said. I want to love today those who need to be loved. The time is now to sow good things every second, minute, and hour.