Dawdling and Dwindling

The other day, my BFF and I were on a walk and she announced Easter was upon us already. Life slips through our fingers quicker than we realize. I remember miserably long summers when all I could think of was how much longer it was until we could be back in school (yeah, I actually liked school!). Mom used to tell me that I was "wishing my life away". Today, I simply blink and the day is over! I look back and half the year is gone! Before you know it, we will ring in the New Year and you will probably hear those words cross my lips, "Where did this year go?"

Oh, how sweet the light of day, and how wonderful to live in the sunshine! Even if you live a long time, don't take a single day for granted. Take delight in each light-filled hour, remembering that there will also be many dark days and that most of what comes your way is smoke. (Ecclesiastes 11:7-8)

I think we all have a tendency to 'look back' over our life toward the end and sometimes we realize much to our dismay that many days have passed, opportunities have been missed, and dreams are left unfulfilled. We probably feel the same way. As each year passes, we begin to look back to what has passed and is beyond our grasp anymore. The truth is clear - we cannot make up for lost time. What has been a lost opportunity is simply that - lost. We might need or want to do something today, but left undone until a much later time doesn't mean we will experience the same satisfaction as doing it now. We might feel like we "finally did it", but that is not the same as the thrill we get when we do something the first time we are feeling the urge.

Regardless of the reasons, we all have disobeyed our urges to do certain things - to seize upon opportunities in our lives. The most regretful of these are the missed opportunities for or within relationship. For some, these "missed" opportunities may have been unintentional - for others, it has been quite intentional. It makes no matter - they are "missed". What may have happened to many of us is that we took for granted what we had. When it was gone, we slowly became aware of just how much we had lost. Whenever we take something for granted, we are treating it in both a careless and indifferent manner. That which is not attended with the greatest of care is in danger of being lost or damaged. That which does not have our focus or attention is in danger of being overlooked for its value or worth. We could be party to both - we might have had some missed opportunities to invest in what mattered. In turn, we have known loss and disappointment.

Let me encourage you to consider what it is that you'd be the most disappointed to lose. Whatever that might be - it is the center of your world and probably the focus of your attention right now. If it is "someone" - invest in that relationship wisely. If it is "something" - consider what value that "thing" adds to your life. If the value is just not there, consider if it is worth your attention and time. In other words, don't take things or people for granted - know what and who it is you are investing your time and treasure in! Don't spend too much time allowing time to dwindle away - you won't ever get it back! Just sayin!