Opportunity of Time
I often think in the realm of songs. Back in my youth there was a song with the lyrics, "Time oh, good, good time, where did you go?" It's an interesting song that leaves more questions than it answers.
As I've shared before Americans want what they want and they wanted it yesterday. I remember my grandfather's brother when he got forgetfully old would ask quite often, 'what time is it?' and grandfather would answer, 'why, you got a train to catch?' I don't know if it ever stopped him from asking in ten minutes the same question, but it was wishful.
In traveling to other countries, working with people, doing mission work, eventually (and it doesn't take long) we come to realize that not everyone has the same concept of time. We had our Bible classes and worship times posted on the sign outside the building, however most of the local members and community members looked at those as suggestions. A good time to try to be there but they would trickle in...
The perception of time for many people is that they 'have all the time in the world', (until they don't but that's another story) but the reality of time is day by day and minute by minute is all we have.
We are tricked into believing we have long eons of time. Somehow we think we will never grow old. Just like "Chuck, I'm never gonna retire," then suddenly we're sixty-seven, and retirement doesn't sound so bad, and no, we don't want to wait until we're seventy, thank you.
These scriptures should be a daily reading and memory work:
"The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." (Psalms 90:10-12 KJV)
