Among the life lessons learned particularly from the pandemic is that tomorrow is not guaranteed.
In fact, you may be familiar with this quote by Eleanor Roosevelt: “Today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present.”
From the time we moved to Texas, we have done our best to go back and visit our loved ones in New York. What I have loved about these visits is that no matter what’s happening in their lives … career, business, ministry, or children … they always make time to spend with us. In fact, every visit involves breaking bread together. My heart just overflows with gratitude for the laughter and tears shared during those visits.
What’s super special about the group of friends in this picture is that these ladies have been my friends for 40 years.
The fact is that when we look at our schedules, there is ALWAYS something to do. So when we are approached to make plans, the temptation is to just tell others that we are busy.
Billy Graham once stated, “We hurt people by being too busy. Too busy to notice their needs. Too busy to drop that note of comfort or encouragement or assurance of love. Too busy to listen when someone needs to talk. Too busy to care.”
The reality is time spent investing in relationships is time well spent. When you are able to reflect on the memories that were created, there are simply no regrets.
While Jesus was on Earth, He had quite a task to accomplish in a brief period: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10 ESV) Leading people to the truth required a lot of time between teaching, healing, and performing miracles.
But we read in the Gospels how He made time to:
-sit and talk to His disciples;
-visit Zaccheus’ home and share a meal with him; and
-visit Lazarus, Martha, and Mary and enjoy their friendship … to name a few examples.
Dear Friend, can I encourage you today from the living Word of God:
“… you do not know what tomorrow will bring.” (James 4:14 ESV)
“So teach us to number our days,” (Psalm 90:12 ESV)
“A friend loves at all times” (Proverbs 17:17)
“… make the very most of your time [on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence],” (Ephesians 5:15 AMP)
~Joyce
