Keeping Track Of Time

 

“For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a person may be weighed down by misery.” Ecclesiastes 8:6 

   Mechanical clocks are wonderful devices. With gears, springs, and weights their motion measures seconds, minutes, and hours. We live by clocks, they tell us when to get up in the morning, and when to go to bed at night. We use them to keep appointments, and to tell us when to eat. We could hardly live without our clocks keeping track of time. 

  Time is a powerful thing. The Bible tells us God knows when we are formed in our mother’s womb and God knows the day we will die. We mark off points in our life by dates and times. Time brings order into our disordered world. 

  The stoic philosophers believed we should be ready at any moment of time to accept the fact that God might take back our children, our spouse, family members and friends. The stoics believed these people in our lives were only on loan to us from God, and we should accept the reality that those people in our lives could return to God at any time. 

  And we must know that truth applies to ourselves as well. We could be called home to be with the Lord at any time. 

  One should not become gloomy about keeping track of time regarding these realities and how the clock is ticking down for everyone we know, and ourselves. Instead become motivated by the fact that our time is so short. Live in such a way that you get as much out of life as possible. 

  You will not be willing to waste time, to hold grudges, or to spend your days in bitterness, resentment, and envy if you could only imagine a clock ticking somewhere with your name on it. 

   Consider your days, and know that this day will not come around again. I know that our illnesses often rob us of time and limit our abilities, but we cannot afford to let our time be wasted by complaining over our lot in life and our lack of abilities. 

  Instead we need to consider what we can do. Remember that the clock is ticking. And make the most of every day and each moment of our lives. 

  Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to remember that our days are numbered, and help us not to waste the precious time You have given to us. Amen.