It literally flies by!
Believe it or not we all have the exact same amount of time each day. One day does not speed by faster than the one before. We all have the same number of hours, minutes, seconds, and yet some of us are good about accomplishing things while others waste time. They think they can bank time, and get things done later, when in fact time is a vanishing commodity. Our days on earth are numbered, and none of us know the moment our number will be called up. Each day God gives us a present when we wake up in the morning. That “present” is just what it is, a day to be present in life. Treat it wisely and be fully invested in the day.
In the Scriptures God tells us: to live a life worth living, to make the most of our time, to be careful about our time and choices, do not let opportunities pass us by, to be an “on purpose” person, not live our life in a vague thoughtless or foolish way, and to know the will of God and grab it with both hands.
Saturday I sat through three softball games, and became a little anxious while sitting there thinking of all the things that were left undone at home. Now while we are supposed to make the most of our time, we are also supposed to be careful about our choices. I chose to spend quality time with my grandchildren, because their childhood is fleeting and cannot be recaptured. While I would like to sit here and say in my great wisdom, I made the right choice, I cannot do that. But I can say I made the choice that was best for me, and my relationship with my grandchildren. Did I get all my chores done at home? Not by a long shot, but I can catch up on laundry, I cannot catch up on life. So I will live my life the best I can with no regrets, no could haves, would haves, or should haves moments. I refuse to waste today worrying about what I should’ve done yesterday. I must seize the day, not just this day, but each and every day. And that day that I seize I must live to the fullest, making wise choices all day long.
When we talk about making the best choices of our day, and our life, we must understand that it will affect our afterlife also. The Bible tells us: For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. Now that’s what I call seizing the day, the week, the year, the rest of your life, and your afterlife. That’s what we talked about when we said, make wise choices.
Yes I have spent many hours at the ball field this spring. Sweltering in the 96° heat one day, only to be wrapped up in blankets and winter hats the next. I would not change the choice I made to sit there while my six-year-old granddaughter is perfecting her slide across home plate. Watching my six-year-old grandson hit a double, driving two runs home, and seeing his toothless smile from ear to ear.
Some days I do get overwhelmed trying to accomplish everything that I have let go, wondering what people would think if they walked into my house and saw its condition. I even get depressed, and upbraid myself about not being able to accomplish more, in less time. When that happens I tried to remember the Scripture verse found in Matthew: Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. I am so grateful I have a heavenly father that will come to my rescue when I’m overburdened, overtaxed, or overwhelmed, and he will lighten my load and all I have to do is let him.
Where does the time go? It really doesn’t matter, the fact is it goes, and it goes quickly, so seize the day, each and every moment of each and every day!
As parents we need to teach our children to respect time, and its fleeting aspect. Don’t let your children live their life on the couch with a game in their hand and a glazed look in their eyes. Make them play outside, running, laughing, and getting rosy cheeks. And introduce them to the world of literature, which will open the door to places they have never been and will unlock their imagination. And have them read the Bible every day so they can, through knowledge and prayer, make the right choices for their life each and every day.
We as authors can be the greatest procrastinators in the world. But we know firsthand this is not a good choice for our careers. If we are to seize the day, we must make it count for all it’s worth, and not waste it on being idle. Sometimes walking away from a day of writing is the right choice to clear our minds of cobwebs and cluttered thoughts, and set it free to think of new and vibrant things. We also could use some time spent in the Word of God to keep our choices all that they could and should be for us to live a fulfilled life.
Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am.
Psalms 39:4
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
Ephesians 5:15-17
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Psalms 90:12
Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
James 4:14