Some years ago I surprised my family by taking them to “Disney on Ice.” When I pre-purchased the tickets for $67.90, the salesperson told me to pick them up at the Will Call window. No problem, I thought.
(Photo courtesy of Unsplash.com)
She then warned me that they offered no refunds or transfers. “Fine,” I said—and scribbled the date and time on my calendar.
As the date approached, I watched my daughters’ excitement reach a fever pitch. Not even my wife knew what the surprise was.
As it turned out, neither did I.
The Surprise was on Me
When we approached the coliseum on the big day, my eyes widened in horror. I saw families exiting the show! I thought the time I’d written down meant when to leave for the show, but it meant when the show started!
My mind darted back to the salesperson’s ominous words: “No refunds.” I went to the Will Call window, and—you know what?—they were serious about that rule! I had just donated $67.90 to Disney on Ice! You’re welcome, Walt.
After my recovery, I considered how we can miss the very blessings we long to enjoy in life if we seek them too late.
When opportunity passes, we get no refunds.
Redeeming the Time: God’s Command to Us
God’s Word helps us anticipate the opportunities instead of recognizing them later with regret. The apostle Paul wrote:
Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time. —Ephesians 5:15-16
Careful living requires “making the most of every opportunity” (5:16 NIV) or, literally, redeeming the time. In Paul’s day, the term translated as “redeem” was used when a person would completely buy out a product in the market. And the word translated as “time” refers not to a lifetime but to a season of life or “opportunity.”
In other words, we should make the most of the season of life we find ourselves in right now.
But instead, we long for the seasons of life we are not in:
- Children want to grow up
- Singles want to marry
- Couples want kids
- The aged miss the good old days
In each season of life, we tend to pine for the blessings of other seasons—both future and past—and we miss the opportunities of today.
(Photo courtesy of Unsplash.com)
Make the Most of This Season
Imagine this was your last winter. What would you do?
- Would you build a snowman just because you could?
- Would you enjoy a roaring fire and a good book?
- Would it make a difference if you knew this was your last winter?
You bet it would.
Take the same attitude toward the seasons of life. In what season do you find yourself now? A mother of young children? A single? An empty-nester? When time with your children passes, it never returns. Once the chance lapses to serve God as a single, it may not come again.
Perhaps you must admit to some wasted years. I know I can. But we can begin to walk wisely this year. God gives time as a gift—a gift we should use to the fullest.
But remember, last year gives no refunds. So redeem the time!
Tell me what you think: How will you make the most of this year? To leave a comment, just click here.