Thinking about the gift of time

I decided to do something different today. I just got to thinking about time and my thoughts took over so I leave my reflections here. Read them and join me in thinking about time.


Time after time

The time is ripe

Time is of the essence

No time like the present

A stitch in time saves nine

Time is money so spend it wisely


Today started off like so many others. Up early, Bible study, a little bit of prayer, coffee, breakfast, morning newspaper, and a quick word and kiss with my husband. Then, get dressed, take out the trash, and suddenly the day is off with a roar.

But I stopped and thought about time.

Some days it seems like I waste so much time. The task overtakes the time and nothing seems to happen on time.

Time is a gift from God. And, it is a gift that once squandered, cannot be recaptured. It is a fleeting gift and if we do not grab it at the moment, it is gone—forever.

Time is a gift from God Almighty, the Ruler of Heaven and Earth. When I do not use time His way, I am throwing away His gift. Would I ever do that with His gift of grace or of salvation?

So, why do I so often do nothing with His gift of time? Indeed, even more frightening is that this gift of time is limited. I will die and whatever time I used or didn’t use will be a thing of the past. Time is something I can’t pass on to others nor can I save it for a rainy day. There is no account where I can bank it and earn interest or save it for a time I need it more. No, time is present and whatever I do with it I must do it in the present.

So, why am I so intent on wasting so much time? Oh, sure, sometimes I do something that is good but is that the best use of the little bit of time I have from the hand of God? Why am I so sure that I always have plenty of time to do things later? Later is only the present in a different time frame.

Today is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it! the Psalmist declared.
So, I will rejoice in the today that the Lord gives me. Tomorrow will worry about itself so I just need to deal with today.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

God says that my life has a very specific purpose, designed by Him. And, that purpose is to prosper me, give me hope and hand me a future, not to harm me but to bring Him my offering as a life well lived. My life has a purpose. It is not just the whole of my life but the day in and day out, moment by moment parts that fill my days that have a God-ordained purpose.

That is my prayer today, Lord.

Forgive me for the many times I forget that time is a gift. Forgive me for the many times I forget that You have a plan and a purpose for me—for my moments throughout the day. Today, may I be ever more aware of Your purpose and plan. Help me look to You to live every moment today for You, by the power of Your Holy Spirit for the glory of You revealed in my life.