Don’t blink…

My daughter-in-love posted a picture on Facebook of her three boys straddling a fallen tree branch. Dressed for the chilly spring weather, beaming with joy, my little grandsons exude energy and mischievousness. Her comment: “Three little ants on a log! 🪵 🐜. When Paxton was just under two, he used to ask for this commonly known snack. He called the PB (peanut butter) on celery with chocolate chips – “yakka yakka yog yog” 🤭 Now he teaches me that queen ants shed their wings when they build a new nest. Don’t blink!!”

Don’t blink! A statement that so profoundly describes how time marches past us so fast we might miss something awe-inspiring “in the blink of an eye”. Our priority, especially as parents, is to savour each moment, hold on to each memory, cherish each day with our children, and grandchildren. They grow up so quickly! They are babies one day, teenagers the next, and then adults with their own babies!

Don’t blink!

Ephesians 5:15-16 says ^“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Colossians 4:5 also talks about redeeming time. “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” To redeem something means to buy it back, or regain possession of it. It is important to note that “time” is a precious gift from God. We are not guaranteed a certain amount of time. Our days are indeed numbered, and only God knows how many days we have to live here on earth. The idea Apostle Paul wants to emphasize in these passages is that we are to make the most of every opportunity to live life now ensuring that we have a strong focus on eternity. We are to make wise choices, do good, impact lives with the Gospel; time is precious so make the most of it!

After two cancer battles, I know only too well that life is finite. Life is fragile, and circumstances can change your outlook on life in an instant. I have a palpable sense of my “winding down” as I age. I admit I feel the tolls of time on my physical body. I get tired quicker. Brain fog is a bit more common. I know my limitations and I’m not as keen to push those boundaries to the edge. I am more cautious. My husband may be in denial entering this season, but I am okay with ordering meals that are “senior-sized”, or asking for senior discounts. I don’t try to act any younger or older than my age. I enjoy this stage of life. It is precious. I don’t feel compelled to “strive” as I did as a young adult for all the things the world offers like fame or fortune. I am content. God has blessed me abundantly. I don’t need more. I do, however, want to thrive in this season of life. I am not done growing in the “knowledge and admonition” of the Lord. Being in the Word daily, praying for His Will to be done in my life and others has taken on new priority. I pray for good health, and ask for opportunities to serve Him in these “senior years” for as long as I am able. I may be winding down, but I’m definitely not done! Don’t blink…I still have time to make a difference for the Kingdom.