In a world that seems to be running out of time why do we waste so much of it?
Eph: 5:15-16 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,
making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
“I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo. "So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
Seasons come and seasons go, but time marches on. What was once young and vibrant becomes old and broken down in a blink of an eye. This becomes more apparent with each elk season. Tendons you never knew you had ache, muscles that were strong begin to fail, and through all the pain, minds give in. As the sun gets past noon in my life, I have vowed to become more attentive to my time.
Not just time in the woods, but time spent in everyday life. It seems like my young bride and I have just stepped over the threshold of marriage, yet the reality is we have spent a Whirl Wind of twenty four years by each-others side, and are now looking forward to becoming grandparents...Time!
I have watched humans spend time like it was unlimited, and hold on to each second as if it were gold, while they hold on to see a loved one, one last time. The latter, has taught me time is expensive, and valuable, as it is one of the major ingredients in the relationships of this world. I would have to agree with Galndalf in saying, "what we do with our time is important." It is a catalyst to relationship, so Paul was right when he told the Ephesians," Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,
making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." All relational regret comes from the unwise of time.
Time isn't ours to control. We all see its end. That's why Paul calls us to action. This wise use of time Paul talks about resides in our relationships. Paul is calling us to use the time we have to foster each and every one of them. Take a moment, step out of time, and soak the people in around you! It is in these moments when time stands still and we start realizing eternity...our destiny.
When Paul speaks of "Evil Days." he speaks of the broken communion. When Humans try to depart from eternity, all that is left in their mind is the promise of times completion,"Death is the wish of some, the relief of many, and the end of all," Seneca.
If it were only that easy. When we are honest with our intuition (spirit) we know that the grave isn't the end. There is more to life or death, than that. We all Know it. To merely exist in a moment of time is meaningless...as time marches on. Love, Hurt, Joy, and Sorrow all meaningless if merely connected to time! Evil Days.
Meaning comes from something beyond time. Paul knows this, that's how he could write, "make the most every opportunity." eluding to the fact that opportunity is meaningful. In a temporary mind opportunity is meaningless. If all you do is live, then die, what you do in-between doesn't matter. The fact is Opportunity does matter, because its sourced outside of time. Its sourced in the eternal person Jesus. He(and only Him) is the one who puts the meaning in every opportunity that is placed in your hand.
Meaning is the shared destiny of man kind. Apart from Christ, we can only live off our own meaning which is fleeting. Apart from Jesus, we will follow time to its eternal death, but the opportunity is at had. Eternity has stopped for you at this moment. Rekindle the relationship with the eternal. Find meaning once more through the Relationships you are a part of. Understand the meaning of the spiritual acts of love, joy, peace, patients, and kindness only come through connecting to the Source...That source is the God/Man Named Jesus. When you do, you will realize time is meant to be spent...on purpose, for something greater. The Eternal.
This is what elk season was made for. Use its opportunity to reflect on your relationships. Relationship with the Creator and Finisher of time, and the others He has appointed to you. If you do, this elk season, will be time well spent...Blessings Nate
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