Time is Life

I am reading a book called "The 5 Secrets to Becoming a Leader". One of the lead characters (yes, a nonfiction book with characters) says, "As you know, time is life. It's all we have. What we do with our limited amount of time is what makes the difference."

The first chapter tells the story of a young man who finds that he has quickly matured into a leadership position in his company. The position turns out to be overwhelming and the stress was beginning to show at home. He was just going through the motions at work because he did not know what else to do.

Walking along the beach, he notices a older gentleman and walks over to say hello. The two strike up a conversation, and the older man, who is a leadership expert, offers to mentor the younger.

Time is life. Paul knew this. He spent a lot of his time, according to the letters he wrote, in prison or jailed for simply telling people about how to spend their time on earth.

Paul also spent a lot of time mentoring young men and teaching them how to lead. In fact, two letters are addressed specifically to two of those young leaders, Timothy and Titus. Paul tells Timothy, "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

Time is life. Time is all we have, and we have to make the most of it.

One way to ensure our time is spent well on earth is to take Paul's advice and not squander our opportunities. One thing I had always promised myself is that I would not allow myself to grow up too fast. I would always remain a kid at heart.

As fun as that may sound, I have also realized that some things must be approached with wisdom and maturity. Time and habit help me to develop both. Wasted opportunities will show in the lives of those who always have regret.

Many of the pursuits we seek in life are more out of selfishness than for selflessness. This doesn't mean I can't have fun and enjoy life. This doesn't mean I can't laugh and smile. It does mean, however, that at any given moment I have to make choices in how I love and respond to others. I have to make choices in how I choose to face today's hardships. It means I have to be patient and kind and faithful. The great thing about God is that He assists me in all these areas and more. He gives me choice and strengthens that choice with His Spirit.

If I want to be seen as an adult, my words should never betray me. That means I joke around when appropriate, and I am truthful and forthright when appropriate, and I am gentle when appropriate, and I am strong when appropriate....

If I want people to see me as an adult, my conduct should show others how much I care about myself. People react to us in the same manner we present ourselves. If we care little about ourselves, our appearance will reflect it. Our deeds will betray us every time. How we approach doing things whether school work, house work, or work work, will reflect the respect and love we have for others and for ourselves.

If I want to be seen as an adult, love will reveal who I am. Love comes from within. No, love comes from within from the one who is love. The Bible says that God is love. He showed us selfless love through His son, Jesus. When I grant God permission to supplant my way of loving with His way of loving, I see people as God sees them. I gain insight on how to be more peaceful and patient. I understand why gentle answers turn away anger.

I'll finish this tomorrow, but I'll leave you with this thought. Time is all we have. We only have one life. The nice thing about time is that though we are not guaranteed more or less than anyone else, we have great opportunities everyday to share time with those we love and care about. Through those moments we experience life. Take time today and share you with someone else and make a difference.