As part of my strength-building recuperation from Leukemia, I take regular walks through town with my wife. We venture into different neighborhoods for a change of scenery and to expand my endurance. We talk about life’s struggles and joys, about current issues and future plans. We take notice of the houses and gardens on our short journeys, thinking about our downsizing plans when we move to Bolivia…or sooner. We talk about how we, as a society and as a couple, spend our resources of time, energy, and money on our houses and ‘toys’ and hobbies, as if we will enjoy them forever, while so much of the world languishes in poverty and despair.
Now you may sense an impending ‘sermon’ on wasting money. Actually, Jesus had quite a bit to say about that topic himself. But as much as I believe we are each called to be good stewards of our ‘riches’ by sharing them generously, we are also called to be good stewards also of our time. “No matter how much money you have, you can’t buy more time. There are only 24 hours in everyone’s day.” You may be surprised to learn that Bill Gates said that, echoing lessons he learned from Warren Buffet. There is no 1% when it comes to the bank of time. We all have the same amount… until it’s gone.
The Bible is replete with lessons about our limited time:
Time is short. 1 Corinthians 7:29
Life is like a vapor that appears for a while and then vanishes. James 4:14
Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. Psalm 103:15
Even the devil knows his time is short. Revelation 12:12
It’s not morbid, but rather prudent, to pay attention to the brevity of our time. If you have ever been extremely weak, you learn to conserve your energy. If you find your money is running out before the end of the month, you hopefully adapt your spending to make sure the money will stretch until pay-day. I think most everyone, when faced with their last moments, tries to make those moments count.
But why wait until resources are low to use them well? Today is the day we are given to find hope, take joy, and demonstrate compassion. Today is the day to be courageous in the face of the storm, to look beyond our own life and to the interests of others. Today may be the last day we have to encourage someone else who is about to give up hope. It may be the last time to say, “I love you.” There may not be another day for a kiss, a hug, a smile, or encouraging touch. And what if there is? What if there are many (though not endless) more days?
Why not live every one of them as if they were the time of your life?
