Time

Matthew 25

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

 1"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

 6"At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'

 7"Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.'

 9" 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'

 10"But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

 11"Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!'

 12"But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.'

 13"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

How are we using our time?

Do we use our time to glorify God?

Do we use our time to enjoy the blessings he has given us?

Do we use our time to praise him for all he is and has done?

Do we waste the precious gift of time on useless and idle things?

Time is a precious gift. Each day, I look at my children and am so aware that every minute, every hour is precious with them. They will soon grow, and fly to their own nests.

I look at my husband and see him growing in maturity and wisdom. I see him slowly changing into the man God has called him to be. Time can be a friend or a foe. How do we use it?

I have been challenged to invest my talents and gifts in each day. 

I have been challenged to cut back, strip back anything that wastes my time. I am only here in this life, for a limited period. Life is short.

So I am seeking God for correct use of my time.I know it will involve loving God, seeking him, serving him. Loving my family, encouraging and enjoying friendships, appreciating beauty in creation.  My aim is to become the woman I was created to be, a little bit more every day. To please my father and to be ready, with my oil lamp full on his arrival!

What is God asking us to do with the gift of time he has given us?