I struggled to focus my eyes on the clock across the room: 8:25 –really? My feet hit the floor as mental cobwebs began to clear. It’s Saturday; that’s a relief. This early riser rarely sleeps past 6:00 AM. The extended slumber was long past due. Is it possible the extra sleep made me feel tired? It sure seemed so.
The past week had been brutal. Long stressful days and short, restless nights contributed to physical and mental exhaustion. My joints ached from the extended time of inactivity. My husband gave me a cheery, “good morning” as I shuffled into the den. Squinting from the bright sunlight, the best I could offer was a sleepy grin and faint wave as I headed for the coffee pot. It had been a long time since I slept for 12 consecutive hours.
“What are you doing today?” He was ready to get his day in motion.
“I don’t know; I don’t have plans,” I mumbled as I considered the unexciting tasks competing for my attention: laundry, housework, and weed-filled flower beds. “What about you?” I halfheartedly responded.
“I think I will go fishing; want to go?”
Fishing? Not one of my top ten favorite things to do on my off day. I peered into my coffee cup as if the answer to his question would rise to greet me with the coffee’s rich aroma. After a long moment of silence, I heard my voice answer, “Sure, I will go with you.” I am glad I did.
It was a gorgeous day. We soaked up the warmth of the spring sun. We talked, laughed, and sat quietly as the water lapped against the side of the boat. The birds sang from every corner of the planet as God’s creation shouted His glory all around us.
My eyes rested on the tall, browned eyed man casting his line from the other side of the boat. How could three dozen years of marriage pass so quickly? How could I possibly be so blessed to be married to this man who modeled the heart of Jesus every day and loved me despite my shortcomings? A friendly smile flashed my way as he snapped the quick photo of my only catch of the day. I am not a fisherman, but we celebrated my one tiny fish as if it were a great accomplishment. There were two right decisions to applaud: the husband who holds my heart and a day on the lake fishing with him.
Choices speak volumes about priorities. This day I choose to let the chores wait. I spent the day with the love of my life, fishing. Each day provides opportunities to make good choices. There are scores of “good” things to fill our time. Alongside those good things are the “best” things. The best don’t merely fill spaces on a calendar; they fill the corners of our hearts and the voids of our souls.
Scripture teaches much about time management and choices. Luke 10:38-42 tells us about sisters who make very different choices. Mary sat at the feet of Jesus while Martha busied herself with the details of taking care of her guests. While Martha’s work was honorable, it was not the “best” option. I must confess that I am a lot like Martha. Regularly I busy myself with the tasks at hand and miss the most important opportunity. Jesus blessed Mary for her choice: “…Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
How often I miss sweet time with my Savior by busying myself with a task that does not matter. How about you? Can you relate? Do you hear the clamoring of laundry, housework, and career vying for every second of your time?
Think how quickly your breath vapor vanishes on a cold, winter morning. James 4:14 reminds us that our entire earthly existence is much like a vapor or mist. Realizing the brevity of life behooves us to value each moment given by our Creator. We choose to serve God or ourselves. We decide to spend time with Him or in the world. Our decision reflects our priority. It is that simple.
I thank God for my loving husband and cherish time with him. My fishing excursion was the right choice for that day. I pray that I will be as intentional in making time for Jesus. I treasure His presence and want to be sure the Martha in me remembers the lesson of Luke 10.
Life is but a vapor; the mist will disappear quickly. Choose wisely.
Charlene Miller
Lean into Jesus Ministries
“Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12
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