Time can only be controlled to a certain degree. How quickly it passes we cannot control. How we pass the time is what truly matters.
Since my last post, I have been dividing my time between work, church, and home. I have found myself busier than I thought I could ever be and, up until a week ago was really enjoying my activities. However, overdoing has quickly caught up with this physical body of mine and now I am under doctor's orders to rest. Having depleted my immune system, I am finding such rest a welcome change.
Since my Christmas decor was already in place and my home reflected the season I love the most, my imposed rest allowed me the time to reflect upon its true meaning. I find myself rereading the scripture's account of the precious Savior's birth with a sense of awe at our Father God's orchestration of events. A virgin mother, an aged foster father, an angelic chorus, humble shepherds, and wise men from afar, make an account that only the Most High could put in place. How perfectly each character was chosen---how unexpected were the Father's choices.
Luke tells us that Mary received the angel's message with complete submission, "Be it unto me according to thy word". Matthew tells us that Joseph, "did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife.". Luke continues his account by telling of the angelic host appearing to lowly shepherds with a song only angels could sing. Wise men, bearing expensive gifts, challenged an ungodly ruler to pay tribute to the infant King of Kings. What a story--what a birth---what a night!!!!
Sometimes, we forget, not that He was born, but the magnificence of His birth. The wonder of the season can get lost in the festivities and the baby in the manger fades away in the frenzy. We do not do this intentionally, but it is an undesirable "side effect" of the season.
King David once said, "He maketh me lie down in green pastures". I am not saying my illness came from God---but I am saying that a time of inactivity can force one to focus on the details of life that often get overlooked when one fills every hour with activity and duty. I have come to believe that, as quickly as time passes, we must make every effort to guard against filling it with so much of ourselves that we leave little time for "Him".
A dear friend of my father's once said, "Only one life it will soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last". Time is all we have to use for Him---everything else is secondary. Let us purpose to use our time for His glory because we all know how fast the time goes.
In Grace,
Marie
