A Word from Your Mission Strategist, Steve Laughman
This morning I found myself thinking and actually saying out loud, “It’s November already.” When I was a child Christmas vacation could not get here fast enough. I remember my mother telling me not to wish my life away. Given that the passing of time seems to speed up as I get older, I now understand what she meant.
In October I got to have another birthday. In December I hope to celebrate nine years as your Associational Mission Strategist. In a few months Marni and I will be married for 28 years if the Lord wills. Time is a limited resource. Each one of us gets the same 24 hours in each day. We all have the same seven days each week. Some of us will finish this day or this week, and we will be thankful for all that was accomplished during that time. Others will look back and wonder where all the time went.
Scripture reminds us in Ecclesiastes 3 that there is a time for everything under heaven. Each season of life may include birth or death, weeping or laughter, mourning or dancing; each at their appointed time. The teacher then reminds us that God has set eternity in our hearts and that “there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one’s lifetime.” Regardless of our current season, we are to rejoice and do good. James tells us that life is just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Time is a precious resource, and yet we seem to forget that sometimes.
A wise man named Ferris once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” And while his example may not be the best one to follow, there is something to be said for being intentional about how we spend the time God has given us. Take the time today to call a friend you have not spoken to lately. Seek an opportunity to tell someone about Jesus today. Write a note or a text to a church member who needs encouragement. Read your Bible and hear from your Father. Walk around your neighborhood and pray for each household. Enjoy a meal with someone without checking your phone. Choose to make the most of every minute. Live today as if it is a gift from God, because it is.
