The Gift of Time
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time… Ephesians 5:15
Little hopeful eyes sparkle with anticipation that Santa will visit with his sleigh full of all the things that were on their lists. Time cannot go fast enough! With each day counting down, the excitement mounts.
Churches ramp up for this beautiful celebration with choirs, children’s programs and family activities. We all know the date of Christmas but somehow it sneaks up on us every year. We need more time!
Parents cannot wait until everyone is tucked into bed and the house is quiet. The wrapping paper is pulled out with scissors clicking and tape being torn. Time seems to be moving quickly as the mound of gifts appears not to diminish.
Are you getting the picture that this is the world’s idea of Christmas? How are you going to spend your Christmas Eve? What memories will you be sharing in future years? What does time mean to you?
From my devotion this morning with Sarah Young, she wrote: “Take time to be holy. The word holy does not mean goody-goody; it means set apart for sacred use. That is what these quiet moments in My Presence are accomplishing within you. As you focus your mind and heart on Me, you are being transformed; re-created into the one I designed you to be….”
Giving the gift of time is not an easy task in this crazy, busy world. It will require slowing down intentionally and having a time of conversation with the Creator. You know Him, He’s the One who knew you before you were even born, the One who has a plan for your life which does not include a frantic, on-the-go lifestyle.
How we spend our holiday time is a truthful comment about what really matters most in our life. Many of us will now say, “OUCH! Now, Mo, you are meddling!” I say it for my benefit as well.
This year, we might want to reach out to others with a gift of our time. I am saying this with a humble heart because I am not good at it. I love this sentence at the top that reminds us when we give time, we can never recapture it again. The clock is ticking!
Make amends, get going and give someone a hug, give an unexpected gift to a person and expect nothing in return. Can you feel the stress falling off your shoulders? Spend time with a shut-in, call an old friend, talk to your heavenly Father because He’s probably been missing you.
Be set apart in this world to love others. May your time be a blessing to others…and to you.
Father, thank You for the gift of time. Please help us to use it wisely and to show others how much they matter to us. AMEN.