Passing of Time

Stale light reflected off his computer screen as he sipped on lukewarm coffee. I glanced up at my father, stained papers piled up high on his desk. His clothes resembled those he’d worn the night before, and his eyes were bloodshot.

“Please, Dad! I really want to go.”

“Hun, I have lots of work to do. Not today.”

“I’ll even dig up the worms this time, I promise! Please?” My heart sank in discouragement as my lip began to quiver.

Glancing up from his work, my father paused, casting a weary glance my way.

“Ok honey, dig up the worms and I’ll take you fishing.”

A huge smile lit up my face as I headed for the door, “Thanks Dad, you’re the best!”

Occasionally, I brush past the cobwebs in my mind and reminisce. Of all my memories, this one moment surfaces most often. At a young age, I couldn’t fully understand the situation my father was in. He was worn out and working hard to provide for his family. At the age of 9, I just assumed that my father didn’t want to go fishing. I couldn’t understand his position; all I craved were summer days spent fishing with Dad.

The Gift of Time

Looking back, I realize just how selfless and loving my father was, and still is. Even throughout his busiest moments, Dad has always made time for us kids. He found a balance in both providing for, and prioritizing time with family. Whether it was fishing, visiting the park, or stopping for ice cream, I had a father who was involved in my childhood. He didn’t just bring home a paycheck, he gave me his TIME.

Time is something that each of us crave from infancy. Ask any adult what they remember from their childhood, and it usually revolves around moments spent with a special role model. Our fondest childhood recollections don’t usually involve a wrapped gift, or physical present. We hold onto the memories where the gift of time was extended to us, and often, we recall moments spent with someone who played a key role in our development.

“Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

When I read the Bible, I am routinely reminded that I have a Creator who wants to spend time with me, whenever and wherever I may be. His love and willingness to have constant communication with me isn’t contingent on whether I’m behaving myself. I readily recognize that even on my best days, I possess an inability to be perfect in my thoughts, words, and actions. If God should base our communication on my “goodness,” our time together would be non-existent. I can call on my Maker regardless of my circumstances. There’s never a time when weariness is an issue for Him – His calendar is always open for one-on-one time with me.

Madeleine Temple-Lowe writes from the Midwest.

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