Where does the time go?

It was only yesterday, or so it seems, that my wife and I brought home our baby girl from the hospital. We didn't know what to do with her as she was our first child, but it didn't take long to figure out that when she was crying, something was wrong. It was only a few years later that my wife and I brought home our second and third child! Twin boys! And we thought we were busy with one child!

It was only yesterday, or so it seems, that I was pushing my daughter on a swing in our backyard watching her ponytail sway with each push. I could never push her enough! She always wanted one more swing.

It was only yesterday, or so it seems, that I was at Disney World holding both my boys at the same time. One was on my sholders and the other I was lifting with my arms. We were all trying to get a glimpse of one of the outdoor shows at Cinderella's castle. It was hot that day, but it didn't seem to bother me at that moment holding my boys.

It was only yesterday, or so it seems, but "yesterday" has turned into years! My wife and I's baby girl is now 13 years old. Our twins are now too big to hold. But it just seems like yesterday! Where did the time go?

It was only yesterday, or so it seems, that I made a commitment to blog consistently. A year later and I only have a few posts. It was only yesterday, or so it seems, that I made a commitment to read a book a week. Though I have read more, I have not come close to reading a book a week during the past couple of years.

It was also only yesterday, or so it seems, that I made a commitment to make prayer a vital part of my life. And yet.... You see, the danger in life is that we say things, make commitments, and before we know it we wonder aloud: "Where did the time go?"

The time between when we say we are going to spend more time with our kids, or whomever, and actually getting around to doing it, can be years. And then? Well, it seemed like only yesterday and now, well, they are really too big to push on the swing now!

The time between when we say we are going to spend more time reading Scripture and praying and actually getting around to doing it can also be years. And then? Well, it seemed like only yesterday and now, well, after so many distractions and demands time just seemed to get away!

Be encouraged, however! By the grace of God you do have today! Tomorrow? Who knows? Today, yes! So if God permits, in a few years as you reflect and say, "It was only yesterday, or so it seems," the ending of such thoughts will not be ones of regret, but of gratitude to God that he has helped us to not get bogged down with the trivialities of life.

It was only yesterday, or so it seemed, that my daughter turned 13. And though it WAS just a few months ago, in several years, when she turns 18, I'll be saying the same thing. But I do have today by His grace!

Going to hug my kids...maybe pray for them as I do!
Jeff