If you look carefully at the church sign this week it reads “Time is irreplaceable use it wisely.” Time indeed is a most precious commodity. Have you notice that Time is free, but it’s priceless. You can’t own it, but you can use it. You can’t keep it but you can spend it. Once you’ve lost it you can never get it back.
At age 57, it astounds me how time seems to pass. We’re familiar with a few time-related axioms:
“Time flies when you’re having fun.”
“Time and tide wait for no man.”
“Time is money.”
“Time is of the essence.”
…and on and on it goes. And we certainly affirm that we all make time for what we feel is important in our lives.
Scripture has much to say about time, too:
Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.
Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.
Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Ecclesiastes 3:8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
Ephesians 5:16 “Make the most of every opportunity. The days are evil.”
John 9:4 “While it is still day, we must do the works of the one who sent me. Night is coming. Then no one can work.”
Time builds wisdom, and each day speaks a new lesson. Yesterday speaks and says, “Learn from me and then let me go.” Tomorrow says, “Do not spend too much time worrying about me, because I may never be yours.” Today says, “Use me wisely for I am the only time you have for sure.”
The 24 hours that make up this day are the most precious commodity we have. Spend it well by loving well and letting others love you back. Be drawn to the innocent smile of a child, take time to look at a sunset, a sunrise, a tree with radiant colored leaves, a snow covered back yard. Do something fun with your friends, wife, parent, siblings, or kids. Pat a puppy on the head. Laugh. Cry. Read something that makes your imagination run. Marvel at a bird in effortless flight.
Most of all, connect with your God, the timeless One, who will teach you how to number your days and spend them wisely. (Psalm 90:12)