The Gift of Time (02/20/2024)

I distinctly remember my prayer. “LORD, give me more time.” And the LORD did. It has been a little over a year since my oncologist moved me from active treatment. I go for screening, waiting. But as I lay perfectly still for an MRI, I thank the LORD for hearing my prayer and giving me more time. This lent, I have been trying to focus on just how I am using that time because I know how precious it is.

This past year, I have used the time to mend some personal relationships. I have used the time to join with other women of the parish to begin again the ministry of funeral luncheons for family and friends grieving the loss of a loved one. And I began a grief support group after recognizing the pain of grieving families and individuals through that funeral luncheon ministry. I have taught faith formation to 6th graders and to high schoolers. I have tried to grow in my own faith through ongoing bible study. These, I realize, are good uses of the gift given to me to spend well for the love and glory of the LORD.

However, as Lent approached and I surveyed my life for areas of needed growth, it was my use of this precious gift that I realized I needed to work on most. While I have used time to serve others and to begin or to mend relationships, I recognize that I also have surrendered too often to the inclination to waste it. Specifically, I watch game shows in the afternoon, and I am prone to spend too much time on computer games. Neither of these are “evil” but neither of them are productive. And I have realized that while I am engaged in doing that, I get an idea concerning another like sending a card or calling, and I tell myself, “Later.” But then I don’t get around to doing it.

So, this Lent, I am trying to use my time more wisely, more lovingly, and to recognize the inspired thoughts of the Holy Spirit and act upon them when they come rather than telling myself “later.” I am trying to remember that time is a gift given to me that I truly should use better.

Time is a precious gift to all of us on “the Way.” It is given to us as all our personal gifts not just for our benefit or enjoyment but to glorify and love the LORD and to serve others. While we can benefit personally from the use of our times, we should never be the only beneficiary of our gifts. This Lent, may all of us look at our time seriously and reflectively. May we seek to use this precious gift well. May we specifically respond to the Spirit’s nudges for good in the world immediately rather than brushing them aside for a “later” that may never come.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.

Thoughts? Questions? Requests? – katewiskus@gmail.com