Embracing God’s Gift of Time

For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. . . . A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. —Ecclesiastes 3:1–4, NLT

The most important time in life does not lie in the future nor in the past. It is right now. That might sound strange to those of us who have our sights set on the future. We have lots of plans, things we want to do, castles to build, and goals to reach.

We live for the success that will surely come to us.

The most important time in life is still ahead.

For others, our greatest moments lie behind us.

We remember the battles we have fought and won, the glamour and recognition that crowned our career. We think of ourselves as the person who did this or that. We believe the most important time in life is behind us.

Yet, today is the only slice of time that we really own.

An old story revolves around a group of men who are arguing over the best time to cut an ash stick. One argued it was in the spring when the sap was rising. Another said, “No, summer is the best time because the wood is at its best.” The third disagreed entirely. He said, “The fall is the best time to cut the ash stick because the sap has matured and seasoned the wood.” The fourth argued, “Winter is the best time because the sap is gone and the wood can be cut smoothly.” Finally, the men decided to seek out the local agricultural expert and ask him. The expert listened to the arguments of the four, and then the four men pressed their question, “When do you say is the best time to cut an ash stick?” The expert thought for a moment and then replied, “The best time to cut it, gentlemen, is when you see one, because it may not be there the next time you pass by.” God puts great emphasis on the present.

“Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 4:7, NKJV), and “Today is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2, NLT).

Now is the only time we own, the only time to do His precious will. Do not wait until tomorrow, for the clock may then be still. Today is at hand.

Time stops for no man. All we hold in our hands is this moment—now. The time to do something about life eternal can only be done today.

Tomorrow is yet to come, though it is not guaranteed.

Yesterday is history. But we have today! Let us embrace God’s gift of time and not waste a moment.

Mary Ranjan