Articles
The Last Day of Another Year
Believe it or not, as of midnight 2017 is in the books. We all say it every year: “Where did the year go? I can’t believe it went by so fast!” The years do seem to go faster. First, the longer you live, one year comprises a smaller percentage of your life span. Second, the longer you live, the more complex life gets with a growing family, increased work responsibilities, more friends and acquaintances, general entanglements with the world (home ownership, volunteerism, travel, social events, etc.). Time flies not only when you’re having fun. It zips by when you’re too busy to watch a clock or a calendar.
So, what are some takeaways from these recognized and oft lamented truths about time?
1. Prioritize: Do. Focus on the things that really matter; spend your time efficiently. How much time is wasted on clutter?
2. Procrastinate: Don’t. There’s an old saying about the road to hell being paved with good intentions. A painful truth, that. It is good to intend well; it is better to follow up and do well.
3. Pray: Do. More often, and more intensely. When we come to a crisis, may we face it with the assurance that we firmly stand on a true and sincere relationship with God.
4. Provoke: Don’t. Blessed are the peacemakers.
5. Praise: Do. Not yourself but God, spouse, children, server, grocery checker, flight attendant, auto mechanic, co-worker, neighbor, fellow Christians. Unspoken praise is unused power.
“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Eph 5:15-16).
