"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." Ephesians 5:15-17
Today is the day before Thanksgiving, and I'm feeling introspective. About 6 weeks ago, we quit homeschooling and put our kids in public school. It has been wonderful and the kids are blossoming in ways that warm my heart. Not only that, but it has brought a freshness into my relationship with each child because now I'm just mom. I get to be someone they want to tell all their stories to, and a soft place to land when days are hard. And sometimes, they actually miss me. It's not that we didn't have a good relationship before, but this is definitely better.
And now I'm a free agent. Free to go and do whatever, whenever, I want. And honestly, it's weighing on my heart...
Like most people, I want to live my life well, especially now that I have all this free time. I'm overwhelmingly aware that the time I have right now... seven hours alone every day... is a GIFT that could easily be squandered, but MUST be used WISELY. Like the verse at the top says, I have to walk carefully and make the best use of my time, and in my life I've done my share of poor stepping, lackadaisical standing around, and squandering precious time completely away. That's why I've been praying pretty earnestly for God to open my eyes and give me wisdom to follow in HIS footsteps.
And now I see it. Time has always been a gift. Sure, I have more time on my hands now than I really know what to do with, but that doesn't make it any more of a gift than it was before. I was always saying I didn't have time for this or that, or wished I had more time for one thing or another. God's truth is that how much time you have isn't what really matters, it's what you choose to do with it that counts.
We all know people who seem to have endless time. One friend I know homeschools five daughters, runs two businesses, holds church in her home, and still has time for friends, gardening, and family fun. I look at her and think I must be doing something wrong! LOL
But honestly, friends, it's truly all about perspective and CHOICE. In this new season of my life, I have to begin to do the "hard" things. I have to start chipping away at all my lists of things I've been saving for "when I have more time." I was foolish to save those things for later because NOW is the time. TODAY is the day of salvation. My prayer for myself and all my loved ones is that we will cherish every moment we are given and obediently follow the Lord's voice in all things.
