Time on Our Hands

Our generation is obsessed with time. We are determined to make every minute count. Executives attend seminars on time management. Busy moms shuffle scheduled school events and childrens church and community activities, wondering how they can balance housekeeping, carpooling and part-time jobs. Retired couples find time on their hands; bored and restless they plan trips they may not be able to afford and hide the reality that they have drifted apart. Why must we always be busy? Where are the carefree hours on the front porch swing or evening strolls?

I need to turn from the obsession of time on my hands and focus on the assurance that time is in His hands. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) He has a perfect plan and purpose. Students study history by the use of time lines and noteworthy events. From conception, until my last fleeting breath, time propels me closer to Him and the heavenly home He has prepared. “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, And a time to die (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2a NKJ).” As time ticks away, I find joy in a moment of solitude and guilt free daydreaming of times ahead….

Over the Threshold

A man and woman make a lifelong commitment with stammering vows and wobbly knees. They promise to love and cherish “till death do us part” and seal it with a passionate kiss. The happy couple cuts the towering cake; hopeful unwed girls scamper in attempts to catch the bouquet and be the next bride down the aisle. Well wishers throw rice and tied cans trail behind the getaway vehicle.

It is official; the ink has dried on the wedding license, they are now husband and wife! Upon arrival at their honeymoon destination the groom checks in and escorts his new bride to the honeymoon suite. He unlocks the door to their future and carries her over the threshold.

We are the bride of Christ; the Lord has carried us above to heavenly places. “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:4-6 NAS).” We yearn for the day when Christ will carry us over the threshold into our heavenly home! (John 14:1-3)

Revolving Door

Do you feel like you are living your life going around and around in a revolving door? We all have days when we don’t believe we are accomplishing anything; we may even feel a little light headed. If those days turn into weeks and months, we need to purposely step out, free ourselves from the revolving door.

Often we realize we are not in the revolving door alone; though separated by barriers we sense another’s presence. We hope their stay is only temporary, that they will also step out to the freedom of fresh air.

As we exit a building through a revolving door, it often takes a few minutes to get our bearings. We need to get our balance and adjust to the surroundings of busy traffic, crowded sidewalks and weather conditions. If the sun is bright we may feel blinded temporarily. When weather conditions are extremely hot, cold, or stormy our body will need to adapt to that as well.

Change is coming. Our life style and busy schedule suddenly stops. We adjust to changes after exiting the revolving door in order to enjoy our slower paced life. It will be worth it all! “The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth forever (Psalm 121:8 NAS).” Jesus is our Doorman!

Communication Breakdown

We do not need to speak a foreign language to experience communication breakdown. Often we carry on conversations with those close to us, and discover the message misses the target. We know exactly what we mean; they are equally convinced they understand. Lines are crossed, and a breakdown in communication develops. We are currently experiencing a breakdown in interpretation of issues relevant to all. It’s nothing new, but we must address the problem and be on guard to avoid traps.

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; who substitute bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter (Isaiah 5:20 NAS).” We must not deceive ourselves or mislead others.  A small child easily distinguishes bitter or sweet; feed them baby spinach and they make faces at you. Spoon feed chocolate pudding and be prepared to keep that spoon coming. I want childlike faith that trusts the one feeding me; I can be assured that the Lord offers me good, not evil!

Burning the Candle at Both Ends

Are you burning your candle at both ends?  You may get burned!  We frequently push our minds and bodies to the limits, draining the last drop of energy. There is so much work to do and so many problems to solve.  Society considers procrastination to be a weakness; there is wisdom in letting some things wait until tomorrow.  We will deal with life’s issues with renewed strength after a good night’s sleep.           

Our minds become landfills of anxiety, gloom and doom.  We rehash personal problems, family trouble, and even world crisis.  Soon, stress hinders sleep and dreamland becomes insomnia territory.  Tossing and Turning may have been a rock and roll hit record, but it is receives a gong in the wee hours of the morning. If only it were as easy to shut off our minds as shutting down our computers.       

Sleepless nights are nothing new.  Men counted stars above, before we numbered tiles in the ceiling.  “It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep (Psalms 127:2 NKJ).”  Let Him tuck you in bed tonight.  He will read you a story from His favorite book.  One day you will live happily ever after in His kingdom!