“Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears, then vanishes away.” James 4:14

 Time

 Here one moment and then gone. Recently I’ve been stunned that 29 years have gone by like a vapor. I remember bringing my precious, princess daughter home from the hospital and dressing her like a new doll, laying beside her napping in the sunlight, examining all her features and fingers and toes. Praying for her future and dreaming of the life she would have. Now she’s a princess bride and a young woman, belonging to someone else. (My husband reminds me she’s always belonged to the LORD, not us.)

What happened to all this time? The Lord has blessed us all these years, providing in every way, growing us towards maturity in Him and leading us in His will; yet sometimes I want to go back to that precious moment laying in the sunshine with my newborn daughter.

“So teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).

 Realizing each moment is given by the Lord, I pray that I may I live well and not waste this precious time, in good times and bad, seeking His face in direction, attitude and love for others. This is my desire, yet each evening when I recall my day, I’m reminded of those loose words, or mean look of disapproval, or my bad, impatient attitude. The Lord reminds me (after confession) of the work in progress and all things will come to fruition on that glorious day.

Ephesians 5:16: “Redeem the time, for the days are evil.”

 Mark 13:33:“Take heed, watch and pray, for you do not know when the time is.”

 I want to pay attention to each step, on purpose, looking unto Jesus and walking in His holiness, being grateful, and enduring trials with patience. I want to enjoy the memories, looking back at the mistakes as learning opportunities to not repeat (hopefully) and move forward in His daily adventure, watching for His hand and glory to be revealed.

“No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us” (1 John 4:12).

Sometimes I’m fearful of the future. Aging body, unpredictable times, etc. yet again, knowing who has us in the palm of His hand I pray I can be a blessing to others, loving as He calls and enables. Our memories tell our story and define us in many ways. Looking back, I see His leading even when wrong decisions were made—the Lord has turned them towards His glory and good purpose. We can be encouraged when we commit our time in our day to Him, paying attention to His nudging when off track, and purposed to please Him in all things.

“Lord, thank You for so many wonderful memories and Your presence through all. May we continue to number our days, knowing our hope is in You. May Your smile be upon us. Amen.”