Redeem the Time

Some of our Westwood folks left this week for their annual Florida respites, while others will be joining them in the next few weeks.  The single digit windchills and ice and snow make me want to join them too! Of course, I suppose they have to struggle there as well at this time of year, high temperatures probably reaching only the high 60's or low 70's...things are tough all over. 

 

Now, don't misunderstand me here, there is no envy in my words.  Someday, I will most likely join those who seek an escape from the extremes of our winters here, but not for a while.  The progression of our days and years places us at different points along the journey.  Every step, every milestone, every experience is a significant chapter in each of our unique life stories.  I remember enjoying time at home with my family for the holidays before returning to college many years ago; now we are preparing to send our son back for the spring semester of his sophomore year after a holiday break. Time refuses to surrender to our desires and continually marches to that steady, persistent beat that moment by moment, day by day transforms our lives.

 

Perhaps Paul is speaking to this relentless march of time in Ephesians 5:16 as he encourages the believers in Ephesus to redeem the time. The Amplified Bible translates verse 15 and 16 of this fifth chapter in this way;  "Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise...but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), Making the very most of the time."

 

I might dream of warmer climes on this blustery winter day, but whether I am in Northern Virginia, Florida, or wherever, time does indeed march right along, challenging me to redeem the time through Christ-like living.  Warm words for the wise today!

 

After holiday travels, it will be good to gather together again this Sunday for worship and Bible Study at Westwood.  Plan to be present and invite a friend to join you.  And to our Westwood family who find themselves in warmer locales today, blessings on your good fortune.  It will be in the single digits with below zero windchill here tonight, and they say, even colder weather next week. (If you can squeeze one more guest into your winter getaway, let me know!)

 

Jim Abernathy