One of our deacons and I were recently discussing the passing of time and how quickly it seems time passes as we grow older. We both recalled how it was so different as children and even then, as young
adults as we established our homes, pursued our careers, and raised our children. In those days, we were focused on the tasks at hand day by day and month by month. In retrospect, we agreed that it all passed very quickly and that as we reach senior adult age, it seems that the days, months, and years quickly fade away.
As a child growing up on a farm in Cumberland County, I remember how slow time seemed to pass. From one Christmas to the next Christmas, from one birthday to the next birthday, from the beginning of the school year in the fall to the beginning of summer vacation nine months later, and that long year of waiting until I reached my 16th birthday so I could get my driver's license and gain some supposed independence -- it just seemed that "Father Time" passed so very slowly.
And then I became an adult and over a period of five decades (that makes me feel really old when I put it that way), Cathy and I were married, pursued successful careers, discovered a wonderful community we decided to make our permanent earthly home, dedicated our lives to serving our Lord, became the
loving parents of four wonderful children, experienced the growing up of our children to become adults of their own and all pursuing individual careers, and then the blessed birth of four wonderful grandchildren - one of whom is now married, one who is now a junior in college after only one year of
full-time enrollment, another of whom is now driving, and the youngest of whom will be a freshman in high school this fall. Oh, my, how quickly "Father Time" seems to have passed over these five decades.
This reminds me of the importance of considering time from the perspective of God. The Bible tells us that we are to use our timely wisely because there are so many things in life that will pop up along the way and distract us from the main things of faith, family, friends, and serving God. In 2 Corinthians 6:2, Paul writes: "For he says, 'In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.' I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation." This verse reminds us that today is the day of salvation - the time of God's favor - we must make sure that we have wisely used our time to receive God's gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and that we are living daily for Him in all that we do. That is the most important decision and "good time management" that we can follow. John, the beloved apostle, wrote: "The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever." Are we doing the
will of God each day of this life? John 9:4 reads: "As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work." It is urgent that we must be about the work of God each day and making best use of the time that we have. Proverbs 27:1 states: "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring." We should live each day to the fullest without dwelling on tomorrow - this is the only moment and only day that we are guaranteed. Psalm 90:12 tells us: "Teach us to number our days, that you may gain a heart of wisdom." We never know how many days we may have remaining in this life; therefore, we should make each and day count for our Lord, our family, our friends, and our calling.
The words of 2 Peter 3:8-9 really are strategic for us to consider: "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." Praise be to God that is patient and gracious to us.
In summary, it is evident that God's perspective on time is much different than ours. We are finite beings, bound by time, but God is not. We often lose sight of the passing of time and the need in our lives to live each day as if it were our last - living life to the fullest in Jesus Christ, seeking God's will for our lives, being open to the leadership and guidance of the Holy Spirit in all things, savoring each moment we have with our family and friends, and in sharing the love of Jesus Christ with others. Living the abundant life (John 10:10b) is the best way we can deal with the passing of time and the changing circumstances that result as time moves forward.