Transient

What if your time on earth was limited?

What if your two year-old–whose whole life only totals 30 months–was slipping away, minute by minute? Would you be less likely to spiral into frustration with him quite so quickly?

What if you knew that your pre-teen was running out of days to enjoy his fleeting childhood? Would you still roll your eyes with the cashier at the grocery store when she lamented how big an imposition it is to raise kids?

What if your husband was sliding towards a day when he would no longer be able to hike through the woods all day. Would you still grind your teeth every time he wrecked your weekend plans to paint the bathroom with a spontaneous suggestion to spend Saturday on a trail?

Guess what?

Your time is limited. Everyone’s is.

Your two year-old is rocketing towards three, and six, and 19. Your 12 year-old will only be 12 for 365 days– no more. And your husband? If the grey hairs weren’t enough to remind you that he’s not the same silly college boy you married, I don’t know what is.

“LORD, make me to know my end and what is the extent of my days; Let me know how transient I am.” –Psalm 39:4

Time is limited. Life is a vapor. Time is always, forever, marching on, leaving this season behind. Why save your compassion, your patience, your gentleness, your love? Spend it lavishly here, now.

Love deeply.

Extend forgiveness.

Offer patience.

Tolerate inconvenience.

Show empathy.

Hold your temper.

Live like your time is not guaranteed, like the life you enjoy is slipping through your fingers, like the people you love will be gone tomorrow. Look at your days as precious, as gifts from God that are to be cherished for their frailty.