Amazing how things can change at the drop of a dime, literally.  If and when it does, one of the first things that come to mind is wishing we could have gotten that time back or wishing we could change the time we did have.  In the past month, two of my closest friends have lost their mother.  This has impacted me in a way that I could have never imagined.  Living in a different country and not being able to be there like I want to and even not understanding why it had to happen are two of the things I have been thinking about.  The one thing that did come out of these two situations has been that it truly is a reality check for me.  I have taken so many things for granted, never truly accepting the fact that tomorrow is not promised.  Having lost a parent nearly three years ago, you would think I have gotten this concept down pact but I guess in my healing and grieving process, I chose to overlook certain things instead of etch them in my heart and operate in that thing from now until the day I die.

The focus today is on time.  A long while ago, I came to learn that time was one of, if not the most valuable thing on the earth.  It is such a valuable and precious gift that God gives, and as we all know, it is irreplaceable so, once it is gone you can never get it back.  We hear people say often to use our time wisely, but it is not until we are able to fully comprehend just how valuable time is that we can truly apply this concept to our daily lives.  When you know better, you do better.  Once you have an experience for yourself in regards to time, such as going to school full-time while working a full-time job and raising two children then you are able to cherish and sincerely appreciate those free moments you have.

Too many things are taken for granted in life.  Like in my case for instance, it wasn’t until I had to deal with my husband being deployed for twelve months in the middle of a combat war zone, that I effusively realized the importance of treasuring the time I have now because I know what it is like to have that time taken away.  If you have children, you know and appreciate the younger years of a child’s life, because those moments are so precious and seem to go by much to quickly.

The bible reminds us in Ecclesiastes that there is a time and season for everything.  Time is indispensable and so is timing. While I write about understanding the value of time and how once it is gone, it’s gone.  It is also just as important to recognize the proper moments and seasons in life as well.  Seasons come and go in all of our lives on a regular basis, we just have to discern when this is happening and how to move forward.  All in all, God is the giver of time so whatever you do, be sure to include HIM, and give back at least a small portion of what He has given to you.  It does not have to be all day, but sometime throughout your day make an effort to spend time with God.  Talk to Him, read the bible, listen to a sermon.  Do something that is going to keep you connected to the source.  #iDeclare #timeisprecioususeitwisely

Prayer:

Father God in the name of Jesus, I come first and foremost to say thank you for the precious gift of time.  Forgive me for taking it for granted and please help me Lord to always value and understand the importance of this gift that you have given me.  I decree and declare that from this day forward, I will take every day one day at a time and purpose in my heart to understand the correct timing and seasons in my life.  God I ask that you would transform my mind as it relates to time and timing. Increase my discernment God, in Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Scripture Reference:

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NLT “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,  a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,  a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,  a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”

Ephesians 5:16-17 NIV “making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”