Making the Most (of every opportunity)

"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16

We had a busy day around here. Riley blacked out at school and fell out of his chair, cutting his lip on a trash can; so we rushed to the doctor. He seems to be okay. But we're watching him and will follow up with the doctor tomorrow. We've also become the new owners of a blue-tailed skink and moved one broken washing machine out and moved another old one in. Now to catch up on a week's worth of laundry from my five men and I....and that's a lot of laundry.

Besides the urgencies and rush of the day, we also have bigger factors looming over our heads: job uncertainties, a grandpa whose health is failing, teenage struggles, and general financial frustrations.

Most of you could make your very own list that would look very similar.

Riley gave me a precious gift yesterday. They have a little store set up at school where they can buy prizes with points they earned in their state testing time. He bought something for me, and I love it.

Isn't it pretty? It has been my joy the last couple of days. Why? Because something big has been on my mind.

Ladies, I just don't think we have much time left on this earth. Have you watched the news lately? The earth is groaning with labor pains, anticipating the coming of Christ. I don't want to preach gloom and doom. I don't need to. The news does it for me. But I don't see the coming of Christ as gloom and doom. I can't imagine anything more exciting! I am so ready. How about you?

I picked today's verse because I'm trying to keep the concept in front of me. The time is short. Jobs won't matter. Washing machines won't matter. Bills and savings accounts won't matter. What matters is that our hearts are prepared to remain strong for the Lord, and that we are preparing our children to do the same. It matters that we are making the most of every opportunity to prepare those around us for eternity.

Every time I look down at my hand, I see the cross; and I remember that He is coming. I remember that it is all about His glory, His kingdom, and His purposes. I remember that I belong to Him, and He is coming for me.

Hallelujah!