Truthfully, I waste a lot of time. Down time is important, but periodically I find I've really not done too much. If I'm not careful I could spend hours a day surfing the web, watching TV, playing video games or just piddling around. I really enjoy hanging out with friends, but even then most of our conversation has little to do about anything. Sure I've often solved the world's problems over coffee or pizza or brats, etc. But unfortunately my brainstorming and philosophical ramblings have accomplished nothing.
Talk is cheap. I guess I do a lot of it and very little about it. A friend of mine once said, "If you're wasting time, you're wasting your life. If you're killing time, you're committing suicide." I can blabber all I want about needs, issues, injustices, even accomplishing something, but if all I do is sit on my butt, it's all just a bunch of hot air. I'm sure quick to criticize politicians for making big promises and doing little to nothing. Taking a good look in the mirror, I'm just a pot calling the kettle, "Black."
The older I get, the more I realize life is really short. Years fly by faster and faster. You'd think that'd make me feel greater urgency. Instead I feel more fatigued. I've discovered aging has that affect. Your mind slows down and so does your body. The Psalmist aptly notes that the average life span is only 70-80 years. Some of us may make 100, but how many 90 year olds do you know making a huge impact on the world?
Every moment of life is a gift. It's precious. The breath you just took was a once in a lifetime experience. Wandering aimlessly through life with no purpose, direction, meaning, goals leads to an unfulfilled, wasted life. God created each of us with unique gifts, talents, abilities. He gives us all different passions and dreams and aspirations. He wants each of us to take what we have and head full steam into the maelstrom we call life. He wants us to fulfill our purpose with gusto, seizing each moment and opportunity. Paul says in Ephesians that we should make the most of our time. The Psalmist in these verses asks God to teach us to number our days aright so that we can gain a heart of wisdom. Start by asking God to show you how you can make a difference to someone close to you today.
God, I want my life to count, to make a difference. I don't' expect to be an international hero, but I do want my life to impact my world. Use my gifts, resources, God, however you can. I want the wisdom to know what makes a difference and what is pointless. Give me the energy and strength to accomplish your plan for me.
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