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Take your time. We are in no hurry. I actually heard myself saying those words just last week. I was sharing a meal with a friend. Of course, I meant that we had no pressing deadlines. Certainly, each of us recognizes that a moment can be precious. Time is something we treasure.

Even musicians have written songs about time and not having enough time or too much time. We all experience it differently. One thing we know to be true is that life moves forward, and we cannot go back and change the past.

The last kiss.

The last words.

The last time we were together.

Do you look back on those last days or moments with your husband and reflect on the words that were not spoken? I was remembering the decisions and choices that fell on my shoulders the last few days I had with my husband, Bill. I wanted him to express what to do in words and just have another conversation.

As I look back, I am reminded of questions that have been left unanswered and remember the words that were not spoken. It is easy to reflect on the time that could have been spent differently had the realization been present that this day was the last day. We can cherish those past moments, and still not live in the past. Instead of dwelling on losses and thoughts of what might have been, it has been important for me to settle in the present and live where I am now.

For everything, there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV)

Much of life is beyond our control or planning. We are wrapped up in a web of relationships with others who come and go from our lives. Everything is always changing from the moment we arrive on Earth until the time arrives for us to depart. It is amazing to contemplate the changing times in contrast to God’s unchanging, eternal fullness. God’s eternity provides a stunning contrast to our temporary. Times pass and seasons come and go.

I have found that the Lord provides hope and encouragement through scripture when I focus on listening to His word. God softens my heart. When I am willing to use my time as a gift to someone else, my heart changes. I develop an ability to hear through all the noise of the events and circumstances surrounding me as I make a difference in the lives of others. Time shared becomes a true gift.

All the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
Psalm 139:16 (NIV)

We know that God determines the amount of time we have in this earthly life. Each of us has lived with loss and realizes the call to follow Christ is a call to use our time wisely and deepen our relationships with others. As we mature as Christians, we can be calm in the midst of the storms of change and brokenness.

Man is like a breath;
his days are like a passing shadow.
Psalm 144:4 (ESV)

In the context of eternity, the more we come to terms with how we are like the morning mist, the more we are free to enjoy life for the good gift from God that it is.

• We can step toward planning for the future and redirecting our focus on what God has for us.
• If we are here in this moment, God still has a purpose and a plan for our lives.
• Let us remember that only the Lord sees the narrative that is part of our life from beginning to end.

We cannot fathom the details that occur from start to finish. What God does in and through us along the way in the story is beautiful.

Lord, let us be thankful in the midst of a life that has experienced loss. Let us be rooted in the trust that we have in You. Please surround us with Your presence and allow us to see Your power as we navigate the life we face in the moments You have given us. Fill the voids in our hearts and lives with opportunities to serve and love others as we find our purpose now. In Jesus Name. Amen.