Chasing the Years

It really hit me hard the other day. Wow…where had all the years gone?  In my mind I am forever 30, my body is still young, and my babies are still babies. Time has a way of getting ahead of us, causing us to lose sight of the ticking clock.  I am sometimes startled when I realize that the passage of time has snuck up from behind.  

I look at my children and think… “When did they become adults?” I sit and ponder on how it seems like only yesterday that they were riding their bikes for the first time, catching fireflies in a jar, and playing a rousing game of Nerf wars. They now have jobs and careers. I suddenly find myself blessed with grandchildren.  Now when I look in the mirror, that youthful glow doesn’t stare back at me. The woman in my reflection has fine lines and wrinkles, and the wisdom of life’s experiences in her eyes.

I feel myself…chasing the years, trying to grasp every moment. I feel the urge complete all the tasks God has placed before me and live up to the calling He has given me. I feel a strong sense of expectation for what the future holds, and an even stronger sense of desperation for those in my family who have not experienced salvation. I also feel a strong sense of gratitude for the beautiful memories I hold in my heart.

Memories are a treasure. We store them away in that secret place that is our heart.  We bring them out on special days…when we are feeling joyful, when we are celebrating, or when we are mourning those we have lost.  We hold them close, and we savor them. It is through our memories that we can see the work God has done in our lives. It is from these treasured moments that our testimony is built.

• What have the years taught you?  
• How have you changed and grown?  
• How has God used you to do His good ad perfect works?  
• Have you been willing to be his hands and feet in this crazy world we live in?  
• Have you accepted the often-hard-to-believe notion that you are treasured and loved by your Father in heaven?  

Or have you denied yourself the joy that the years can bring by doubting yourself and your abilities? Have you let this world convince you that you are less than or unworthy? Has the enemy robbed you of your confidence and kept you from shining for Jesus?

These are questions we can all ask ourselves as we look back on our lives and look ahead to what is on the horizon. Our lives consist of what we make of them and how we let God work within us. So, as I ponder what God has in store for me, I thank Him for each day, and I pray that He offers me many opportunities to build memories in the years to come.  I pray that my life can be a beacon of light to others and that I would be a willing vessel for His purposes. I pray that I can continue to lead others to salvation, and that through me, hope in Him can be found.

We only have today. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow is not promised. We can’t go back, but we can move forward with joy and hope, and with great expectation.  Don’t miss a moment to serve Him. Don’t miss a moment to love on those who mean the world to you.  Don’t spend your time caught up in negativity and conflict. Don’t waste your time chasing the years, but instead, spend your time savoring your days.