Make Every Day Count

17/11/2017 08:12

I’m often late to bed on a Saturday night, so getting up early on Sunday is a challenge. A few months ago, one Lord’s day, surprise, surprise … I woke up bright and early. Rubbing the sleep out of my eyes, I ambled across to our family room. When I looked out, I noticed a towel I’d hung out to dry the night before had fallen, so, still in my night-dress, I went outdoors to put it back on the clothes-line.

 

The air was fresh and cool. Birds twittered. Leaves rustled in the wind. I felt a tug in my heart—an invitation it was, from God Himself. I dressed quickly, slipped on my shoes and hurried outside. Sitting on our lawn that quiet rosy dawn I chatted with my Papa God, joy draped around me like a soft cloak. A precious time it was! The sun rose, spilling golden sunbeams. Winds played symphonies to awaken a sleepy world. Parrots screeched and soared. God whispered His love into my listening ears.

To live in the moment! To make every moment count! Isn’t that something to aspire to? 

 

All too often though, life whizzes past and I forget what’s important, so God has to remind me. When my son was little, I knew I should enjoy his childhood. I did—mostly. In the blink of an eye, he turned into a tall thoughtful young man and I was surprised his little-boy-days had vanished so swiftly. I made far too many mistakes with him, alas, (I’m so sorry God) but one thing I did right was that I didn’t wish his childhood away. I loved being his mum. My little boy was a good good gift from a good, good Father.

 

I was walking around our community Oval one day, when a burst of colour flashed into my line of vision. I caught my breath in surprise. What a big crop of flowers for such a small plant! It reminded me of someone I knew who had made his brief life blossom—my  brother in law Nirup. His life was cut short when he died of a brain tumour at age 51.

Nirup had a number of challenges to deal with throughout his life but he lived fully using all his talents and skills. Nirup loved God. He never complained at his lot though he could have. He was a wonderful big brother to my husband Shan in their childhood. And then, in later years, he cared for his aging parents, freeing our own little family to migrate to Australia. Nirup was faithful and diligent, a hard worker. I loved his bright smile and kind, caring ways. Sadly my sweet mother in law—Nirup’s Mum, died after a brief illness in 2003. It meant that his best friend and confidante was snatched away all too suddenly. It must have seared his heart but he carried on with courage and continued caring for his Dad.

 

Two years on, his Dad too passed away, with my beloved husband back in Sri Lanka to care for them both. Just 10 days later, Nirup went home to Jesus. It was a very sad time for us, and I wept often for a life cut short. But deep within my spirit, I knew that Nirup's work was done. I knew there would be great rejoicing in heaven. I could picture God’s smile as He welcomed him home. ‘Well done good and faithful son. Enter into the joy of your Father.'  That little plant blooming bright was a perfect picture of the way Nirup lived, using his gifts to the full.

Will I too be able make my life count the way Nirup did? I hope I will. I don’t know how much time I have left on earth. All I have is this moment, but I can use it to be the best wife and mum I could be, to work hard, to use my gifts, to encourage and bless others, to be generous and kind, to let His light shine through me, to grow my character, to please my Papa God. 

 

So as I enter the best decade into the sizzling sixties, let me live well. 

 

Let me love God and love others. 

 

Let me make every day count.

 

Will you join me?

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. 

Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully 

to the work of the Lord, because you know that your

labour in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Cor 15:58