We are all blessed with time, and in exactly the same quantity. The issue is how we choose to use it. Some of us lead busy lives trying to cram in as much as possible and end up being driven by the constant circus of things; others have time on their hands and the ability to change what they do without it impacting elsewhere.
It is good to give as well as receive and this includes giving time. It’s about giving of ourselves rather than just paying some money and that being the guilty gesture. I have often been challenged about giving time rather than money and yet some of the most fulfilling things I have done haven’t cost anything other than some of my time. People at St Matthews have taken time to visit Casa Reom and yes, they could have just sent money but they had a completely different experience for going there. Casa Reom has probably benefited more for that effort rather than just having the money.
Jesus was somebody who suffered time pressure, but made time for people and used it to illustrate a point effectively. In John 18, v 15-17, (Life Application Bible) the following happened:
‘One day some mothers brought their babies to Jesus to touch and bless, but the disciples told them to go away. Then Jesus called the children over to him and said to the disciples ‘let the little children come to me. Never send them away! For the kingdom of God belongs to men who have hearts as trusting as these little children’s. And anyone who doesn’t have their kind of faith will never get within the Kingdom’s gates’.
Going back to my theme for the week, what really matters? Well, it is this. Time spent amassing stuff and being successful and earning money is all well and good and ‘us-focussed’, but it usually comes back to the person on their deathbed wishing they had spent more time with family and friends. Not many people wish that they had worked more!
So, a challenge. How are you spending your time? I know that I waste a lot, and yet claim to be very busy doing it. Look at where your time can be most valuable - but also make sure you have space and time for yourself and to spend time with God (I really must take my own advice here!).
Enjoy the time that you have with friends, family and God! If you want to look more deeply into some of the things I have talked about this week, can I recommend a book by John Ortberg, ‘When the game is over, it all goes back in the box’.
Have a good weekend.
