Time To . . .

Scripture

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” -Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)

Thoughts

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.” –Gandalf the Grey

Here is the simple challenge: Each of us has been given a certain amount of time on earth. Use this time to BE a positive impact on others’ lives. This is a thought that has been shared for generations … but are we any better at it now than in times past? I fear the answer is, “No.”

My sister got a tattoo on the side of her foot that reads, “Take each step in stride.” She also has one on her side that reads, “We are greater than the sum of our parts.” I love tattoos because they help to creatively tell a story. My sister’s tattoos remind us that the time we’ve been given is just that – the time WE’VE been given. Not just me. Not just you.

“Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads.” –Henry David Thoreau

We often forget that there is beauty in everything. Yet, we need to allow God to intervene to help show us what true beauty really is. There are magazines that display “beauty” in such a way that it gets used in very ugly ways. There are pictures and images that arise from tragedy that inspire us and capture the strength of the human spirit. There is also the father who abandoned his family yet wants to fight his way back in. There is the drug addict that is fighting to overcome his addiction. Look at this father or addict and all you may see is “ugly.” Look a little deeper and you may find the beauty struggling to be seen again.

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” –Eleanor Roosevelt

So the big question is … Are you still ready to fight? Are there dreams you’ve given up on? Are there battles you feel you’ve already lost? Have you already placed your sword down? If so, why? What outside force became more powerful than the time WE’VE been given?

I wanted to write this blog because I was really touched by a message I heard years ago at camp. It has stayed with me, even though I haven’t always made the most of the time I’ve been given. I try not to spend my time on superficial matters.I try to treat every person as someone who matters. I also wanted to write this because I often get caught up contemplating the past. This is my commitment to keep moving forward. My hope is that people will read this and see the beauty in their dreams, the beauty of the time we’ve been given, and the beauty of the battle.

However, this blog may have just been for my sake. Who knows?

As I sit outside and hear all the sounds of nature all around.
As I sit there is a waterfall in the distance as Indians dance a sacred dance around a fire.
Singing in their native tongue with a drum beat that gets louder and louder.
The music changes – a man plays a flute.
In the back of my mind, my thoughts are free.
A wind blows once more. Geese fly in the air.
More drums keep a steady beat as in Indian chief raises his hands up to the sky.
More birds soar in the sky as the beat fades into the background once more.
With the scream of a whale with a poacher on his tail as he’s in for the kill.
As the ticking of a clock.
Does time ever stop?
-Jacob Mauney

Imagery

Caption: To grow, it takes time and care.

Caption: Sometimes, beauty does fall like a landslide. It doesn’t mean the beauty is gone forever. Keep fighting!

Caption: The sun will outshine the darkness and bring a new day – every time!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8e6TrT5Gt4
Caption: The countdown is on. What will you do with today?