Where time and eternity meet
My father used to say that time flies by so quickly that it seems every other day is Thursday. When time slips away so rapidly, the seconds, minutes, and hours of our lives merge together. James was right: “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (James) 4,14).
Author Mark Buchanan suggests that we recognize where time and eternity intersect. We should pay attention to how God dwells within the mystery of every moment, however fleeting it may be. Often, this escapes us because we are caught in the hamster wheel of daily life. How is it possible that God is present in every situation of our lives and dwells within us? I am a huge Star Trek fan and have seen all the episodes. In "Insurrection," an inhabitant of the planet Ba'ku named Anij teaches Captain Jean-Luc Picard how to consciously capture a single moment. She slows down time so that one can observe the flapping of a hummingbird's wings as it hovers above a flower. Later, when Anij's life is threatened, the two manage to relive this special moment, so that time seems to almost stand still for them until help arrives.
I experienced something similar when I was in a park with my children. We were out with a good friend, the children were playing and laughing. It was a beautiful day, the weather was glorious, everyone was happy and content. As I watched them, I realized that this was one of those perfect moments that would never be repeated. I stored it away in my mind, consciously taking in every detail. Even today, many years later, I can still vividly recall that image.
Even though we cannot slow down time, we can pause to rediscover the mystery of God again and again. Take a short break and focus your attention on where you are, what you are doing, who you are, with whom you are sharing this moment, and how God dwells within you. Consciously store this experience and praise the Almighty in light of what He is revealing to you. Why is this so important, you might ask? Our lives are fleeting: “For all flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of the field; the grass withers and the flower falls” (1. Petrus 1,24).
We do not have long time on this earth and look forward to a better future together with Jesus. King David prayed: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).
During our life on earth, we should be aware of and cherish our existence here. The Small Westminster Catechism states: "The highest end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever." Therefore, slow down your day and find joy in God by glorifying and thanking him. He is present in every moment, where time and eternity merge, as we live our lives through Jesus.
by Tammy Tkach
