I’m 25, many days I feel like an old woman. Time rubs against my skin, exfoliating spots that are in need of refining. One day it’s a gentle scrub, others it’s like a facial using rocks.
Time is such a resource, beyond the value of gold, yet can feel more quarantining then Alcatraz.
Holding us, each moment, each breath and the days time counts the seconds ensuring all are allotted each in its fairness. Never equally portioned, but each breath is counted and numbered. If time stopped, I’d hold it close, gulp it in and savor the taste.
Precious are those instants where we wish time would stand still. Truly we cannot command time. Oh how I wish we could.
My shopping trip with my Mema reminded me of the essence of time.
At 86 she has so much spunk. Time has beseeched us to reverse rolls, for just 5 years ago she was the one taking me. Now I’m older and she is older. Shirts, pants, scarf and purse were on her list; mindful of her style I assisted in selecting these.
After hitting the milestone (cashing out at Belk’s with 4 new tops) we were entitled a break. As we sat on the wooden bench in the Belk’s shoe department, we conversed, in the misdt of our chatter she looked at me, “I cannot go like I used to go, baby.” Smiling back, “Oh but you still can go, Mema” we chuckled.
People scurried past us, moving quickly rushing to wherever; we sat still, embracing the minutes. Mema looking at me once more, “Hope they do not mind us sitting here.” I assured her, “I’m sure they will not mind at all.”
Our feet moved slower that day, nevertheless I remained enamored by her strength. Time invigorates muscles that no eye can see unless we have the lens to observe. I’ve listened to my Mema’s story. I know the explanations of why she is bursting full of fortitude and determination; time has brought her these gifts.
She’s seen more than an eyeful of death, you’d never know by her laugh and the depth of her love.
One of my dearest friends and prayer partners will be 88 at her next birthday, yet her joyfulness and energy is impeccable.
It is not what we do with time, but what we allow it to do with us.
The apostle Paul writes about time while he is in prison, instructing us to make the best use of it, I find it ironic for a man in chains to speak words such as:
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17
Paul understood that time is neither the enemy, nor the prison but all boundaries create a circumstance. The experience is what we make of it. Even in prison, Paul found joy in that jail cell.
In our short life on earth, we will see more sorrow than it takes to sober a drunk out of a sleep. Reality will wake us up or paralyze us to a coma of alluring pleasure.
We are not limited to just actions or choices, it is what we do with each living moment.
May you live with knowledge of good and evil, and never let your heart grow callous. Your time is too precious to abandon at the sight of destruction, for the joy of the Lord is our strength!
Anna Smith is Co-Founder and Executive Director of Restore One, where she works diligently on their chief project, The Anchor House. The Anchor House will be the first shelter in the nation designed to meet the needs of sex trafficked and sexually exploited American boys. Anna has a resilient passion to see sex trafficking victims experience true healing and restoration. In her spare time, Anna enjoys biking with her husband Chris, reading, cooking, throwing pottery, running and yoga. Learn more about Restore One here.
Anna,
This is simply brautiful and profound!
Thank you 💗
Thank you Jean, your feedback is uplifting 🙂
You caught my heart with your words this morning…just want to thank you !
Hey Elaine thank you for the loving words of encouragement.
Your words are singing a lovely melody in my longing Grandmom heart! Thank you, Anna.
Awh, so thankful for that. Grandmas do have the kindest hearts.
Love this. Time is my teacher. Slowly, powerfully.
Yes, absolutely time teaches us
Oh, Anna….thank you for your heart that is WISE beyond your years! This spurs me on to love and good deeds!
Becky, thank you..such an encouragement to read these kind words. Growing, so much, very much, glad for grace along the way.
It is not what we do with time, but what we allow it to do with us. This. Thank you. Beautiful words. Beautiful women. Beautiful hearts.
Thank you Julie, beautiful we all are
Loved this sweet day with your grandmother. Both of my grandmothers were gone far too soon from my life, your sweet embrace of your grandmother brought a smile to my face.