Country Chatter

It struck me today how many times a day I  ask the question, “What time is it?”  I am consumed with time. I am good at scheduling my day, planning for tomorrow and dreaming of the future. Time manages my day;  The clock tells me when to get up, eat, go to work, meet appointments and deadlines, place an order,  go home, fix supper, and go to bed.  We set alarms, timers and punch the time card. Quite often I catch myself coming to the door of my office and say as I look at the clock, “What time is it?” I am checking myself with how much time is left in the day and what needs to be done yet. If you don’t think time is important try oversleeping, let the kids miss the bus, get stuck in rush-hour traffic, take a wrong turn, be late for an appointment, have an unforeseen emergency, over-schedule your day or let someone who wants to talk or ask lots of questions call just as you are walking out the door. Yes, we live by the clock. At least I know I do.

Our lives are also a ticking clock.   The moment we are conceived the seconds start ticking. God knows the number of our days.   Each year I plan to have another birthday but I have no guarantee of tomorrow. I do not know the day or hour of my passing into eternity.  I do not know how close to midnight the hands on my life clock are. I do know at 60 years of age that they are significantly past the half-way mark. This stops me for a few minutes in my tracks!

• Psalms 90:12  So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
• Psalms 39: 4-5 Lord, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am. Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, and my age is as nothing before You; certainly every man at his best state is but a vapor. Selah.
• James 4:14 …whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a time and then vanishes away.
• Psalms 89:47-48 Remember how short my time is; for what futility have You created all the children of men? What man can live and not see death? Can he deliver his life from the power of the grave?

Most people have a sense that this world had a beginning and will not last forever.  One day the disciples asked Jesus, “And what will be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the age?”  Jesus talked extensively in Matthew 24 about the signs of the end of the world, the great tribulation, and His coming again. He told a parable about a fig tree and said, “when you see all these things, know that it (time) is near-at the door!”   In other words, it will be midnight on the clock.  He also said, “No one knows the day or the hour, not even the angels in heaven, but only His Father (God).”  He warns us to watch, wait, be ready, be prepared, and expect His return.

What time is it: 11 o’clock, quarter till 12, 5 minutes to midnight? We do not know, but God has recorded in His Word many scriptures to help us discern the times.   Quite often I say, “it is getting late, I am going to bed.”  I am discerning the time  and know the day is done, it is time to rest. If we read The Word, we can gain wisdom in discerning  the times in which we live.  Most Biblical scholars agree we are close to midnight.  Jesus comforts us with these words, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:20)

Just for fun… some “time” cliches that we use. If you think of some more send me a comment and I will add them.

• A day late and an hour tardy.
• A new day has dawned.
• At a moment’s notice.
• At the present moment.
• At this time.
• Be careful or time will catch up with you.
• Beat the clock.
• Behind the eight ball.
• Can you steal a second?
• Can you spare a moment? or Can I spare a moment of your time?
• Cleaned my clock.
• Countdown.
• Don’t be late.
• For a solid hour….
• Hang on (hold on) a second.
• If you can spare a minute.
• If you have time left over…
• In a split second.
• I’m in a hurry and I don’t know why.
• Just in the nick of time.
• Make every second count.
• Make the most of your time.
• Not on my watch.
• Out of time.
• Race against time.
• Redeem the time.
• Running late.
• Spend your time wisely.
• Stall for time.
• Take a minute.
• The clock is ticking!
• Time is moving on.
• Time is on my side.
• Time is passing.
• Time is precious.
• Time is racing by.
• Time is flying by.
• Time stands still.
• Time will tell.
• The early bird gets the worm.
• The hour is getting late.
• Wait a minute.
• Wasting time.
• Watch the time.
• Where has time gone?