Time

Time matters. If you don’t believe it, try staring into an oven ready to snatch out a sweet potato casserole at the split second the marshmallows on top broil to a golden brown. An instant later, golden brown turns to crunchy charcoal. I speak from experience.

Have you ever noticed most kitchens have more than one clock? Mine has four. Two digitals glow on appliances, but my favorites belonged to my mother. The larger clock hangs on the kitchen wall. Seashells decorate the clock’s round face, and rather than a digital display, moving hands mark the passage of time. The smaller clock sits on the counter and reminds me of the top of a miniature grandfather clock. When we had to say goodbye to my mom almost a year ago, the clocks became a connection to her and my childhood.

I’m sixty-something now, and time has a different cadence. Hours that dragged when I was a child fly past me. Staying in the present becomes increasingly difficult as my brain rehearses a to-do list for the coming months, weeks, days, and hours.

In Psalm 90, Moses gives us a glimpse into God’s perspective of time. God is not bound by minutes or seconds or thousands of years. He is eternal, seeing time from beginning to end. He knows the days He has appointed for us, but in His infinite wisdom He has chosen not to reveal the total. In Psalm 90:12, Moses asks “Teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” (NASB) Though we don’t know the sum, we can always number the day we’re living now.

Today, we have a front row seat to watch God answer prayers, sparkle sunlight through raindrops, mend relationships, give strength for difficult jobs, paint spectacular sunsets, forgive and restore, wipe away tears, and lavish love on a world in need. How many times do we miss God at work in our present because we’re living in the future or the past?

God desires for us to number our days so we can present a heart of wisdom to Him. Psalm 19:7 says “The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” (NASB) Wisdom comes from time with God in His word and in prayer. Thankfully, we don’t have to say ‘amen’ and finish the rest of the day on our own. We can continue our conversation with Him. Whether we carpool kids, lead corporations, build highways, or travel the world, God is with us. He desires for us to be with Him.

So as often as we glance at our watches, phones, or kitchen clocks, may we be reminded to live our present in His presence.

Now it’s your turn! What has God taught you about spending time with Him? Leave your thoughts in the comment box below.