The Right Time…
When the time is right, tender green shoots push up through hard dirt. An egg cracks and a duckling emerges. Dawn’s sun breaks over the horizon. All without any nudging from us. And yet, we fret.
We worry something will happen too soon – or too late. We move ahead for fear we’ll miss the next best thing – or miss an opportunity. Ecclesiastes chapter 3 is the famous time teller – a time to be born, a time to die… When it’s time for birth we’re impatient in the waiting, when death comes it’s always to soon. We are bound by time, but our Creator transcends time.
Before Adam took His first breath a promise was given “the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time.” (Titus 1:2 NV)
How often do we live to get the list checked off, or get through the next big event, or for what we perceive to be better circumstances? Our focus keeps looking beyond, but in that we miss the now. Even though now may be hard, if we don’t embrace where God has placed us, we will miss God’s grace for us.
When my children were young and I was always running, my mom reminded me of an old poem, the last stanza goes like this: The cleaning and scrubbing can wait til tomorrow, But children grow up as I’ve learned to my sorrow. So quiet down cobwebs; dust go to sleep! I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep. (Here is a link to the whole poem by Ruth Hulburt Hamilton: https://www.scrapbook.com/poems/doc/28653.html )
And so it is with all the events of life – celebrations, commemorations, memorial services, and sitting by hospital beds. When we can rest in what is now, we will savor much. And that much prepares us and grows us, enriches our lives, and makes us useful in the Father’s hands.
Jesus had to remind the disciples about this (often I’m sure) as they were always wanting to run ahead, see Him set up His kingdom, and get rid of the Roman oppression. While here on earth Jesus lived in the moment, always teaching and showing. “He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him…Do you understand what I have done for you? He asked them…I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:5, 12, 15 NIV)
His example for us. When we cease living to move beyond what is happening or about to happen, and instead live as servants of the God who loves us, then we too will be teaching and showing the next generation. Today you will find me rocking my grandson while his mommy works – and nothing else.
parisrenae 
☺️ very nice and a propos
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Thank you for this reminder and encouragement. This has been my focus as of late. I have that poem on a plaque in my laundry room where I could read it often as a young mom.
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I know you know how precious our time is with our babies, how precious to touch another life with His presence, you do that with your smile 🙂
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Great encouragement here Paris on staying the moment. One of my daily mantras is to stay present. I love how Jesus was our example in all things, including this! Thanks, stopping by from #ChasingCommunity
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Thank you for stopping by – Jesus is our example for sure, now enable us Holy Spirit to model Him best we can, to reach hearts for Him…
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Awe, what a lucky little grandson He is. Is this the same baby whose mommy I met in Charlotte? Thank you for this much-needed reminder to major on the majors. The most important things in life don’t have do-overs. This is our one life — and oh to live it like Jesus did. Thank you for sharing, friend. ((xoxo))
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Yes, to live it like Jesus did, fully in the moment, that each soul knew he/she mattered…
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I needed this today! Thanks!
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Oh my goodness, well I’m so glad. To know that this moment, now, is where God wants us, that is peace. Leave the rushing, focus on the lover of your soul…
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This is something I’ve struggled with for years– to stop wishing and running ahead for the next thing God has for me before it’s time! I love all your shoe and feet pictures! I wish my converse were that squeaky clean! LOL! God bless you as you rock that grand-baby! 🙂
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Heather, this is still a struggle, but with the Holy Spirit nudging us, telling our soul to slow enough to be present in the moment, we will find peace and spread His presence…blessings..
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Hello from your neighbor at Fresh Market Friday! Your post rings so true 😀😀😀. Everyone told me these years would go by so quickly and I did not understand what they meant until now. God gives us a few short years to enjoy the children He blesses us with. Putting God first and family second is the true path to no regrets.
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Hello, neighbor, blessings as you (and I) learn to walk in step with His time and not ours, to make a difference for eternity, to find His peace in this moment…
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I always need reminding to stay in the moment, so I appreciate this post. This is the moment that God has me in, doing these things, at this time. Enjoy rocking your grandson today!
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