Time

I'm not sure what this post will be about. Usually, when blogging, I feel the need to have a specific purpose. I don't today. Just have the itch to feel the keys under my fingers and to watch my thoughts unfold on the screen. There is something richly therapeutic about that for me.

This morning, with the sun shining so brightly and the outdoor thermometer in the condo proclaiming a balmy temp, I sported some shorts, a t-shirt, and my Chacos and strolled to the nearby park. It was somewhat early for a Saturday morning...only 8:00 a.m....so there were only a few people out. However, the time of day had no affect on the warmth of the sun. I stretched out on a picnic table bench and let the relaxing rays envelop me.

As my thoughts twirled in my head, I began to contemplate time. Did God originally create us to understand time as we know it now? If we are to one day be in eternity where time will be irrelevant, does it not make sense that time is perhaps a result of the fall and only serves as a sinister monitor of the journey that each human is trekking toward inevitable physical death? From that standpoint, time is something that can cause panic in every soul. In fact, time is something that many people spend their lives trying to ignore.

Praise the Lord for His promises and truths of life after death for those who know Christ. As 1 Corinithians 2:9 foretells, eternal life with Christ will be more amazing than we can even contemplate in our limited, earthly minds. Such a glorious hope!

Yet, time remains a mysterious and intriguing concept to all of us. Time is a huge perspective-changer. For example, when I was participating in a little track meet in 1st grade, I remember glancing over at where some 4th graders were gathered and thinking, "Wow, they are so old!" How hilarious that notion seems to me now.

Similarily, I was thinking today about how I was just a teenager ten years ago, but how the memory of that age feels like eons ago. At the same time, when I think of ten years from now when I'll be 36, I feel like that will still be fairly young. That train of thought relieves my stress about feeling like my life is going uncontrollably fast. On the other hand, when I view life differently (for example, when I think about how I've already taught school for four years), I get that life-is-flying-by sensation all over again.

The bottom line is that I know Christ, and therefore time should not give me any reason to fear. Furthermore, none of us is guaranteed the next moment, so trying to analyze how much time we have left is useless. I saw a motorcycle wreck on I-25 this week where a man was sprawled out on the pavement surrounded by rescue workers. I don't know in what condition that man is, but I'm sure he didn't plan to experience such a disaster that day.

These sorts of thoughts spur me on to live life to the fullest each day. I pray that I am.

O Love That Will Not Let Me Go

Thank you, George Matheson, for writing the magnificent hymn whose title I so selfishly borrowed to head this post. The story behind "O Love That Will Not Let Me Go" wrenches my heart each time I ponder it. The writing of this text was not inspired by abstract intellectualism but instead by raw experience. At one point in his life, Matheson discovered that he was growing blind. That alone would be troublesome, but the ache of his story ends not there. Matheson was engaged at the time of this discovery. Feeling she could not navigate life with a man who could not see, Matheson's fiance backed out of the relationship, leaving him understandably heartbroken.

What poignant and painfully rich writing came of his heartache! How deeply did he feel from being pushed through the shredding knives of suffering! His poem that was later set to music resonates with me in ways that words struggle to define. There is something almost cathartic about experiencing the art of those who have created out of immense hurt and angst.

Yesterday in church, I sang the words "O no, You never let go, through the calm and through the storm". As I did so, I was encouraged by that truth. There are times when I feel that I have not the strength nor the will to cling to Christ. It is unspeakably comforting to know that He is not letting go. He has His grip on me.

Similarily, as life continues to blaze along with days, weeks, and years picking up speed with each passing moment, I find comfort in the words "O Love That Will Not Let Me Go". One of my biggest fears in life is making mistakes regarding big life decisions. At times, worry wraps icy fingers around my heart and, like Peter, I feel the waves envelop me as my gaze is fixed on the tumult around me rather than on Christ. I am thankful at this moment that Jesus has me. He holds my heart, my future, even my fears. In an instant, I can be lifted to walk on water again if I but look to Him and rest in His omnipotent grace, mercy, and love.

Are you tired, weary, or upset tonight? Do you know Christ? If so, take heart. He will never let you go! Blessed, blessed truth! Use the links below to read the lyrics to this hymn and listen to its tune. May it encourage you as much as it has me.

http://www.igracemusic.com/hymnbook/hymns/o08.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAH1HuUqLZo