Wednesday, February 3, 2021

“Don’t overlook the obvious here, friends. With God, one day is as good as a thousand years, a thousand years as a day. God isn’t late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn’t want anyone lost. He’s giving everyone space and time to change.” (2 Peter 3|: 8 -9, The Message Bible)

                 Time flies when you are having fun, eh?

                On the other hand, lately, I have been losing track of time altogether. Last week, I thought Thursday was actually Friday. Every day seems like every other day under Covid lockdown. It certainly sometimes seems that one day feels like several days; maybe not a thousand years but time sure can drag. The same old monotony of doing the same old routines and habits gets to be a bit boring and all-too predictable. I don’t know how God does it for all eternity. I am as reclusive as it comes, I admit, but even I will be glad to get out and about.

I should be using my time more profitably than playing computer games, building Lego sets and watching TV. The old cynic who wrote Ecclesiastes puts it this way, “One might live a thousand years twice over but still not find contentment. And since every person  must die like everyone else—well, what’s the use?” (Ecclesiastes 6:6, New Living Translation)  Not very inspiring, is it?

There is a scriptural counter argument to the pessimistic view which the Teacher expressed.

“Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.” (Ephesians 5: 16, NLT)

This is challenging, I admit.  Let’s be more scripturally specific.

“Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone— especially to those in the family of faith.” (Galatians 6: 10, NLT) I don’t think that Paul is necessarily limiting our good works to be just for other believers but practicing our good works with our fellow believers makes us better prepared to take them beyond the proverbial walls of the church. We all should be looking for those people who need our voice of caring to make these interminable days feel a little fresher and brighter. Reach out and touch someone – virtually speaking. For now, until this pandemic is over.

It is hard to be patient while the days reel out. Where are the vaccines? Where are our leaders? Where are the answers? For some, where is God during this prolonged time of time of illness and fear?

Our text from 2^nd Peter suggests that God is giving us the maximum time possible to work things out, to do better, to figure out the value of life, to give “everyone space and time to change.”  If there is one thing any of us can do from our armchairs and sofas, we can pay attention to the condition of our hearts, minds and souls, adjust our priorities,  fine-tune our moods and attitudes, check our values and resolve to do better and make the most of the opportunity.

Every moment of every day is precious.  Find a way to celebrate these strange days and make the most out of them the best you can.

Hang in there. Believe it or not, time is one our side.

Dale