Wherever We Land

Time. It’s a relentless current, an unstoppable force that marches forward, indifferent to our joys and sorrows. For a long time, I was caught in its relentless pull, chasing deadlines, accumulating possessions, and striving for achievements that seemed so vital then. I was so busy doing that I forgot about being.  I was so focused on the future, I forgot to truly live in the present.

The truth is, I was living my life like a race against time, a frantic sprint to some undefined finish line.  I measured my worth by my accomplishments, my happiness by my acquisitions.  But the more I chased, the more empty I felt.  The ticking clock seemed to mock me, its rhythm a constant reminder of all I hadn’t yet done, all I hadn’t yet achieved.

Then, life threw me a curveball. A health scare, a lost job, a broken relationship – a series of events that shook the very foundation of my carefully constructed world. Suddenly, the things I had valued so highly seemed insignificant, like dust in the wind. The ticking clock, once a symbol of pressure, now sounded like a gentle whisper, a reminder of the preciousness of each passing moment.

It was in this period of vulnerability and reflection that I stumbled upon Matthew 22:36-40. “Master, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus replied: “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

These words resonated with me in a way they never had before.  It was as if a light had been switched on in a dark room.  In the face of adversity, the true meaning of life became crystal clear.  It wasn’t about chasing fleeting achievements or accumulating material possessions. It was about love.  Love for God, and love for those who treat me like they would want to be treated.

Time, I realized, wasn’t a measure of my accomplishments, but a gift, a precious opportunity to love and be loved.  It wasn’t about reaching a finish line, but about cherishing the journey, about connecting with the God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob about making a difference in the lives of those around me.

My perspective shifted dramatically.  I started to focus on the present moment, on the simple joys of life – my kjv Bible a warm cup of coffee, a heartfelt conversation, a beautiful sunset.  I began to prioritize relationships over achievements and kindness over competition.  I learned to forgive, to let go of resentment, and to embrace compassion.

The ticking clock is still there, but it no longer fills me with anxiety.  Instead, it serves as a gentle reminder to put God above all, live each day with purpose, love deeply, and cherish the time I have been given.  I’m still a work in progress, and I often stumble along the way. But now, my compass is set, and my direction is clear.  I know that the most important thing in life isn’t what I achieve, but how I love God.  And that, I believe, is a lesson that time has so graciously taught me.