Another Year is Gone
How quickly time flies these days! I’ve heard it several times from friends who are in my same age bracket: “The years just seem to fly by…,” “I can’t even keep up with the days when time is going by so quickly,” “Another year has flown by,” “Is it Christmas already? What happened to Autumn?” These are just a few of the comments I have heard recently. And I have to admit that I have felt the same way. The older I get, the faster time seems to go!
As this new year begins, I have decided to look at time differently. I’m planning to have a list of those things I hope to get accomplished each day. Now, those who know me well know that this is somewhat my philosophy of life. When Jim and I were caring for our aging parents, we would often tell each other to just do the best you can with today; whatever decisions were made that day were the best we could offer on that day. I have often advised others who are going through difficult times to deal with them “one day at a time.”
I’m hoping to take my own advice this year. I plan to take each day and have a plan for it, and at the end of the day to see what I accomplished on that day. Some of those things will be the mundane, everyday tasks that are needed in caring for a home and a husband. Others will be things that I hope will enrich my life and the lives of others. Most importantly, the time I spend in study and prayer will help me to feel like I accomplished important things that day. At the end of each day, I hope to look back on the events and see a day well spent.
If this plan is carried one step farther, and the events of each day are written down and checked off as they are accomplished, you may begin to see the value of each day, and then each week, and then each month, and at the end of this year, even though another year has flown by, you will see what you accomplished.
Maybe an attitude change about the quick passage of time might also be in order. Instead of bemoaning the fact that time is passing quickly, why not focus upon the fact that each day brings us closer to eternity with all the redeemed. Let each morning begin with a prayer of thanksgiving to God for another day to do those daily tasks He has set before us.
Time does move quickly, but maybe it will help if we consider Paul’s advice to the Ephesians:
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,
making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
(Ephesians 5:15-17, emphasis added)
AUTHOR: Donna Faughn
