I’ve been thinking about time recently, especially how quickly it passes. I remember years ago hearing “older” people say that once Memorial Day arrives, Labor Day is right around the corner. I didn’t quite “get it” then…I do now.

Here we are, almost half way through 2008, and we ask, “where has the year gone?” We may have summer activities planned, that we have anticipated for months, and before we know it they will be “history.” Time marches on unrelentingly…and swiftly.

At times I wonder how many more years I have to live…not a fatalistic consideration, mind you, but a serious one. If my life were equated to a year, what month would I be in? If my life span corresponds with my dad’s, I’d be in mid-August. If I compare it with my maternal grandfather’s, I’m in late November. I realize only the Lord knows these things. He has “appointed his (our) limits, so that he (we) cannot pass.“ Job 14:5. Whether ten and three quarter months of my “year” are past, or seven and a half, I can’t regain or reclaim them. I can, however, determine that the last month and a quarter or four and a half months of my “year” be lived with meaning. So can you! May I make some suggestions?

Let’s GLORIFY GOD in the time we have left (I Corinthians 10:31). In everything we do, may our goal and practice be that of exalting our God in the eyes of others.

Let’s CONFORM TO CHRIST in the time we have left (Romans 8:29). In every circumstance of every day, let’s allow the Lord to make us more like the Lord Jesus.

Let’s be OBEDIENT IN OUR FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS in the time we have left (Ephesians 5:22-6:4). In a world, country, and culture in which the family and marriage are taking a beating, let’s demonstrate what the Lord intends a marriage and family to be.

Let’s be DILIGENT AT WORK in the time we have left (Ephesians 6:5-9). As believers we ought to be the most faithful, conscientious employees/employers around. Let’s be motivated, NOT by a paycheck, but by the reality that we ALWAYS FIRST WORK FOR THE LORD.

Let’s CARE FOR OUR NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS in the time we have left (Galatians 6:10). The clichés are oft-repeated, but true nonetheless…”They won’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care;” “The believer is the only Bible some people will ever read.” Let’s actively exhibit Christ’s love and will to those around us.

It is interesting that since I have been working on this, I came across a quote by Benjamin Franklin that is a fitting conclusion to my thoughts. His insight was: “You may delay; but time will not.”

Pastor Don Reese