Not As Much Time As You Think

We plan, we strategize, we dream. We talk this and look at that. We prepare on all kinds of levels, pray over all manner of people and circumstances all the while, looking forward to the days ahead... sometimes with greater anticipation than others.

Then life happens. Or Murphy, as it's oft referred to in... albeit in a beloved (read: begrudged) tone of voice.
And you realize a truth that applies to every circumstance, dream and relationship.

You don't have as much time as you think you do.

A problem you know is on the horizon will appear quicker than you anticipate.
A matter which you know can be delayed for a short time will find a way to speed up the clock.
You can no more turn your back on life for a split second anymore than you would your kid and come to find out that half second cost you three and one half years.

You watch life go by, particularly through the lens of ministry and it almost makes you wish it was impossible to blink. But the body needs rest. And the soul need refreshing. And the eyes, time to heal.

For the body needs time to gather its' strength to endure.
And the soul, time to hold fast to hope.
The eyes, time to renew its' perspective.

If anything, life is a lesson in preparedness, for the inevitable as much as the unexpected; for the known horizon as much as the peripheral blind-spot.

We have been given life.
We create life
We steward life.
For however long it lasts, and whoever we may share it will, God help us to live and manage it well.

So pray to that end, this #youthPastorWednesday. May God help us to be good stewards of time, resources and relationships. Pray that God would maximize the investment that we make into fulfilling our calling and purpose and the what we contribute to the lives of those around us. Pray that God would strength and renew those struggling to endure and feel as though hope is slipping from their grasp. Pray for those who feel as though they are losing perspective; may God remind them of who they are, who He is, what He has done and what He desires for their lives.

For as long as we have breath,
Even if we don't have as much time as we think,
He is not done with us yet.
May it be for His continued glory
By His unending grace.

- PNC