A Time for Everything
“How can it be possible?” That question appeared on social media several times this past week. Sometimes baby, first day of school, and graduation 
photos give us glimpses of the journey that in our minds, happened too quickly.
You’re familiar with the scene. We dropped off our child for the first day of kindergarten. Now she’s walking to “Pomp and Circumstance” at her high school or college-graduation. As if we only blinked, we question, “Where has the time gone? How can this be possible?”
Time doesn’t stay still, well, except in a power outage when clocks remain fixed.
Solomon, thought to be the writer of Ecclesiastes, who according to tradition is the wisest man who ever lived, declares life contrasts in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NIV:
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.”
We nod in agreement; we have those experiences throughout our life.
In our family, May is marked by three birthdays, Mother’s Day, end of school activities, and in some years, graduation. It’s a month when I blink several times, as I struggle to focus and mark the passage of time and seasons. We see it in the changing height and stages of grandchildren, but especially when we remember mothers and grandmothers no longer with us. We’re thankful their examples and legacy lives on and we can share that with our family.
One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. Psalm 145: 4 (NIV)
I’ve watched my grands move from elementary school to holding jobs; from potty training to playing baseball; from playing board games with me to guiding me through installing apps on my mobile phone. And in another time observation, my daughters moved from my home to mother their children. Yes, there’s that too.
Generational and physical distance often separate us from lengthy conversations and daily involvement with our family. However, influence continues in many ways: capturing special times, making memories, and praying for them. These links to resources may offer tailor-made ideas that would help you connect and foster close relationships with you and your family.
- Practical Gifts of Influence
- Prayer Guide for Children and Grands
- A VIRTUE A DAY: 31 BIBLICAL PRAYERS FOR YOUR GRANDCHILDREN
- Gift Ideas for May
[Tweet “There is a time for everything including time to blink and ponder. We can’t stop time and there’s always time to influence.”]
What about you? How do you see influence as powerful?
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The Conversation
As I ponder your question, “How do you see influence as powerful?”, I think of my adopted parents. Mom and Dad, each in their own way, directly and indirectly influenced my life in powerful ways. First, they taught me love. Second, they taught me to fear God (not be afraid mind you, bur a healthy respect and to fear His glory and absolute sovereignty). Last, they taught me to live in freedom. These, and all the other life lessons in between, form a legacy of influence that I pray I honor today, in the way I live my life. Their influence upon my life has shown itself in many ways. From the way I managed and led teams throughout my career, the way I honor and care for my wife, to the way I steward the land, livestock, finances, and all the other blessings in my life. My wife and I tease each other sometimes by saying, “You are just like your mother.” or “You are clearly your father’s son.” Even my sister has noted, although I’m an adopted child, that she sees dad in my words and mannerisms. I take that as a compliment, even though I know that sometimes exhibiting some of his traits isn’t the best way to handle something. All-in-all, I pray that the legacy I leave behind that others (family, friends, and acquaintances) remember and gain from are things that point to God.
JD, Your words and life reach and influence many, some you will never meet, but are changed for good Marilyn.
For Mother’s Day, I was home sick with a stomach bug, isolating myself so as not to share with church family or my loved ones. It was a day where I pondered past joys and sorrows. As you point out, May is a time for much celebration–remembering those college graduations where happiness and hope abounded as families and new graduates gathered in much joy and excitement. I miss those days, but find joy in the tiny flower my granddaughter gave me for Mother’s day and the welcome hug I received from my grandson this morning (who shared the stomach bug with me last week). There is a time and season for everything, and like our friend J.D., I pray my season will provide a blessing for others in some positive and loving way. Thank you for this thoughtful message, Marilyn.
With Mothers Day behind us, your post kept me focused on memories of my mother and my kids and granddaughter. Time does seem to slip away and that’s why we need to be ever vigilant to use it wisely and enjoy every day. “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it “
Marilyn, you helped us focus on the importance of relationships and the value of time. Thank you for wise suggestions to savor the time.
Thank you, Jeannie.
Marilyn, this is sort of a wistful post, but it’s a good reminder to hold every season of life loosely in your hands. God does indeed change the seasons in our lives just as He does in nature. It’s all part of His good purposes.
Make time for memories.
Welcome Deanna. I’m glad you have joined us and the conversation. Our moments do become memories!
I used these verses on time as part of my prayer at my aunt’s funeral. God does have a time for everything in our lives and His timing is perfect. Thanks Marilyn
I often think of Isaiah 60:22 with this passage from Eccl, “When the time is right, I the Lord will make it happen.”
Marilyn, snap shots of landmark moments passed through my mind as I read your post. How quickly times flies. May God teach us to number our days, as Moses wrote, so can present a heart of wisdom with no regrets.
Oh yes- Psalm 90:12– numbering our days– choosing the best over the good– that becomes more and more apparent and precious every day. Thank you, Debbie.