Ecclessiastes 3:1-8
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

There is a time to live, right? I just wrote a post about my sweet Daddy and it just seemed so sad that I decided to put it on the back burner and talk about LIFE.

We are only given this one life here on earth.

Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed for men to die once

(Sorry for all of those who thought we were reincarnated.) We die ONCE so we LIVE ONCE on this side of heaven.

Do we really LIVE? Do we make the most of each day and enjoy the gifts around us?

I’ll always remember a local man who had always been successful in business. He spent his entire life working many hours away from home. Several years back he lost his wife and son and buried them on the same day. So tragic. I always assumed he wished at that moment that he had done more with his family and enjoyed the time he was given.

So often I am too busy to stop and smell the roses. I am always rushing away from my parent’s home with a list of things that must get accomplished. One of these days, I am going to wish I had let things go and just enjoyed their presence. We can’t get yesterday back.

We waste so many days whining about what we lack and miss what we HAVE. Our focus is so easily distracted. I say WE, but of course I mean ME — I just figured there were others doing the same thing.

Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Our little one climbed up in bed with us this morning around 4:30 and I just looked at the shape of her cheeks in the shadows of our room as she rested on my pillow. Just yesterday she was an infant. Now she is a very energetic FOUR year old. The time is flying and I want to absorb every second.

The same goes for my husband. It seemed like just yesterday when were dating. We have been together for almost 22 years. Our 20th wedding anniversary is coming up in November. Time certainly flies.

There is a time to live … take control and enjoy the gift.