I have had some pretty significant events take place in my life the past few months. On November 24th my high school graduating class had its 50th reunion. Wow! Seriously? Where did the time go?

My beautiful and faithful bride Nancy and I celebrated our 49th wedding anniversary! Plans are in the making for our 50th, Golden anniversary next year. Wow! Seriously? Where did the time go?

We just learned that we are expecting our second great-grandchild! Wow! Seriously? Where did the time go?

My wife and I kid around with each other a lot. Our house is a fun and peaceful place. Yesterday I came out of the restroom and said to her, “Now, I am starting to get weirded out!” “Why,” she asked. I replied, “Every time I look into the mirror there’s this strange old guy looking back at me.” She just rolled her eyes (she does that a lot).

Let’s talk about time…

Time is free, but it’s priceless. You can’t own it, but you can use it. You can’t keep it but you can spend it. Once you’ve lost it you can never get it back.

At age 68, it astounds me how swiftly time seems to pass. We’re familiar with a few time-related axioms:
“Time flies when you’re having fun.”
“Time and tide wait for no man.”
“Time is money.”
“Time is of the essence.”
…and on and on it goes.

Scripture has much to say about it, too: “Make the most of every opportunity. The days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16). “While it is still day, we must do the works of the one who sent me. Night is coming. Then no one can work” (John 9:4). “Those who are older should speak first. Those who have lived for many years should teach people how to be wise” (Job 32:7). And there are dozens more.

Time builds wisdom, and each day speaks a new lesson. Yesterday speaks and says, “Learn from me and then let me go.” Tomorrow says, “Do not spend too much time worrying about me, because I may never be yours.” Today says, “Use me wisely, for I am the only time you have for sure.”

The 24 hours that make up this day are the most precious commodity we have. Spend it well by loving well and letting others love you back. Be drawn to the innocent smile of a child and create a sense of safety in their life. Do something fun with your spouse and kids. Laugh. Cry. Read something that makes your imagination run. Stare at a sunset. Marvel at a bird in effortless flight.

Most of all, connect with your Heavenly Father, the timeless One, who will teach you how to number your days and spend them as you should (Psalm 90:12).

For those of you who have the time and would like to read a little more; I would like to share with you the lyrics of a song recorded by the country artist Kenny Chesney that is titled “Don’t Blink.” They really do chime in with today’s blog…

I turned on the evening news
Saw a old man being interviewed
Turning a hundred and two today
Asked him what’s the secret to life
He looked up from his old pipe
Laughed and said, “All I can say is

Don’t blink
Just like that
You’re six years old and you take a nap
And you wake up and you’re twenty-five
And your high-school sweetheart becomes your wife
Don’t blink
You just might miss
Your babies growing like mine did
Turning into moms and dads
Next thing you know
Your better half of fifty years is there in bed
And you’re praying God takes you instead
Trust me friend
A hundred years goes faster than you think
So don’t blink.”

Well I was glued to my TV
When it looked like he looked at me
And said, “Best start putting first things first
‘Cause when your hourglass runs out of sand
You can’t flip it over and start again
Take every breath God gives you for what it’s worth

So I’ve been tryna slow it down
I’ve been tryna take it in
In this here-today-gone-tomorrow world we’re livin’ in

Don’t blink!