Time Waits For No Man

The origin of the above quote is unknown, whereas, the meaning can be of any application desired.  In my thinking this title references how short the human lifespan is compared to eternity.  The following Bible scriptures explain quite well the validity of the thoughts in this writing.  Perception, with an open mind, will allow true awareness and understanding to stimulate good decisions, while there is yet time.

(James 4:13-15), “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit;’ vs.14 “whereas, you do not know what will happen tomorrow, for what is your life?  It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”  vs.15 “Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’ ”

Tony-o, Dude-ski, and Bubba were the nicknames given to my three children by their caring and loving momma when they were too young to know right from wrong.  Now as adults, a daughter sandwiched between two brothers reminisce fond memories of home and what life was like having been raised by two parents that loved them and each other with a sacrificial love. 

Eavesdropping on their conversation I heard stories of yesteryears experiences, which made me smile; I too remembered the good times.  When they made reference to the house they grew up in and the fun times they had, I chuckled aloud, because I can still hear all of the laughter that was generated within those calming walls. 

Thinking back, I can see precious, familiar faces sitting around two large folding tables that were borrowed from the church we attended.  They were placed in the family room each year at Thanksgiving and Christmas where aunts, uncles, in-laws, and our sweet family enjoyed the delicious meals prepared by my wife.  Everyone enjoyed each other’s company.  It was another family-get-together at the Boyd’s house; and it was fun!

I remember the sound advice that my Father-in-law shared with me at times—good times.  He loved me as if I were his own flesh and blood.  The comments he made when he felt strongly about a situation were wise and profound; still in my heart today. 

Dad, as I called him, spared no words, except the bad ones of course, when he expressed himself concerning matters.  He stood for righteousness and lived it, just as my father had done.  My children would have brought much joy and happiness to their lives had God not chosen to take Dad and my dad home to be with Him.

Memories are what I’m experiencing at this moment.  Whether I want to accept it or not, this is the ending of another day, making eternity that much closer.  Stopping to reflect, I realize that I have now taken my turn in the line of survivors, as my father did before me and his father before him; as did the long line of Boyd’s before them.  The next generation will do likewise.  They are quickly following suit, but have not realized it as yet.  One day looking into the mirror they will realize how old they are becoming, and reality will speak to them too.

Reminiscing makes me want to stop and smell the roses a little longer and rise each morning with newfound vitality and vigor; ready to face another wonderful day as the sun faithfully rises to greet me.  I want to listen and drink in the magnificent sounds created by God’s little creatures, while birds sing their harmonious songs of splendor.

When I glance into the mirror I sometimes catch my dad starring back at me with his gray, receding hairline and aging face.  The reality of growing older also impacts me when I see pictures of myself; it is then I realize that this is how people see me.   I’m getting older and there’s no getting around it.  These eye openers help me to see that the number of days is growing shorter and that someday I too will be a memory to others. 

My prayer is this, “God, I want my life to have counted for something.  Help my family and friends to see that I am not my past, but now reflect Jesus.  I want my wife to know the depth of love I have for her.  When I close my eyes and time claims this body, may my soul rest in you.  Allow Tony-o, Dude-ski, and Bubba to always remember my undying love for them and how much I cared.”

If you are sitting there wondering what kind of legacy that you will leave behind, please ask yourself, “Am I a good person?”  Secondly, “Am I connected or disconnected with God?” 

You see, if you are connected with God through Jesus Christ, you are automatically connected with family, friends, and the people next door, because of the love that God placed in your heart.  They see Christ in you, not the person you once were.  They want what you have even though it may appear that some reject your way of living.

I’ve heard it said, “Power gives you the praise of man, but weakness brings you to God.”  Don’t look for the praise of man, because it means nothing when lying on your death bed.  When we can realize how insignificant and needy we actually are, it’s these times God can speak to us regarding our soul and where we plan to spend eternity—heaven or hell.

I want God to stir the embers of your faith and reaffirm that you are somebody, because God loves you!  As someone once said, “I’m the rarest of anything; a changed man.”  God is ready to do that for you.  Are you ready?  Remember, time waits for no man.

(Hebrews 9:26-28), “He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.”  vs.27 “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,” vs.28 “so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.  To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.”