When we are young we want to be older. Who cannot recall being told you can only stay up so late , bike so far , have the car on a certain night etc.. Then we all have probably uttered these words , wish I was older.Knowing that then we could do what we wanted to do . How really foolish . We really have no effect on time. It marches on at its own pace. But even more foolish is wishing it to move faster.
As we grow older , grayer or balder (hey I have embraced my baldness) the one thing we then wish for is it to slow down. We understand with each ticking second that its one second closer to having to bid farewell to someone we love. It can be the goodbye of a child moving out , having grown to adulthood and going off to college or one day saying farewell to a loved one at a grave . Life is one long goodbye.
As I reflect on my sons getting closer to moving onto their own lives and realizing that my Dad is 70 , I was in a moment of reflection . Realizing that I would like to slow the clock down . But since I cannot, I truly want to enjoy each day , not taking any moment for granted. If it is having breakfast out with my wife whom I adore , going for a drive or playing around with my sons, chatting with my Dad , enjoying a visit form my brother or sister and having coffee with a good friend. Should we not savor those times.
Having lost my Mom almost 18 years ago , I do not presume on how long one may have. Only the good Lord knows . Each day is a day of His forbearance and grace. As the book of Ecclesiastes chapter 3 states ;
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
[2] a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
[3] a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
[4] a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
[5] a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
[6] a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
[7] a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
[8] a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.
(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 ESV)
As a human we will go through all these stages . Sometimes it will seem more than others . However should we not as Christians love more ,give more,forgive more and glorify God more in all our endeavors.That includes finding ways to share the gospel to those around us who do not know Jesus Christ.
Time will march on . But we can indeed slow it down by looking around to enjoy the gifts God has given to us from His creation to family and friends. I do not want to live with regret when it comes to those I love . Nor do I want to live with regret with those I do not know , may I treat them as image bearers of God as well.
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For the record, you rock the bald look. Seriously though, you know what's funny? When I woke up this morning, I was thinking about how fast time flies. Time didn't really speed up for me, until I got pregnant with Offspring #2.
Now, it feels like Christmas was just a month ago. Here it is, just past the middle of August. In my defense, the town where I work, was dressed for Christmas. They were shooting a movie.
Even if they weren't, only you and I would think that wasn't odd. By the way, isn't it soon time to bring out the Christmas CDs? To the Grinches reading this, the following comment applies to you. It's the Lord of the universe come to Earth to die for our sins. You want to celebrate and remember with just one or two days? Shame on you, especially if you're a believer.
With egg on my face, I must confess something. I was supposed to get together with a friend before she moves, back to Panama, for the Winter. That was a month and a half ago and she leaves Friday. Hopefully, she'll forgive me and squeeze me in. I hope she'll be back next summer, as well.
Of all people, I should know not to take people for granted that they will be around forever. It wasn't even one of those fake, "Let's do lunch sometime" moments. Nope, she's really cool and funny. I enjoy spending time with her. She tells the best stories. Especially the Kentucky Derby one.
In her defense, to my knowledge, she's not a gambler. But, she did live in Kentucky for a number of years. It's a bit like we don't go to the Apple Blossom parade but everybody, from away, thinks it's cool. So, they went once just to say they did.
I have the privilege of seeing her today, Lord willing. So, I might be home later than normal, if she can fit me in. I'll call you and let you know.
Keith and Kristen Getty sing this great song called "Don't Let Me Lose My Wonder". It's about really appreciating everything around you and the message of the gospel. To really stop taking everything for granted.
I must confess that I was a bit in denial about the boys leaving home. I think I can handle it, though. We should try not to mope, too much. They make me proud. They're great young men.
I am so blessed that you and I enjoy each others company. I love having breakfast with you, as well, even on your grumpy bear days.
Each day, I am privileged to be able to see the joy in everything that God has given me. I pray he doesn't let me lose that wonder. Love you, Mrs Reg
I didn't realize your kids were moving out, guys. Are they still staying in the Valley?
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