2023-01-12 A Meditation on Timeliness

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (Eph 5:15–16 ESV)

Tardiness, time, on the march, sensitive to hours and appointed times, we have abundant experience by now that the “time for God” is shifting and impermanent, allowed any old time when we feel the stars are aligned for a little R&R with the Lord. A little religious observance. A little Scriptural study or patiently indulged thoughts—prayers—that run through the lives of those we pray for and through the situations that we love to think out. What is happening on this front? Where is so-and-so finding their faith walk this day? Who is reading what I write?

The constant refrain of faith is felt in the limelight of the penitent’s story: I repented, but all seemed in my inner soul like a hurry-up. No way I could make timely what was untimely, tardy, human sinfulness waiting until the Lord has passed us by. Will He still accept me at this late hour? Will He allow the hurt the glance off of Him, and be strong to be our Heavenly Father? Will the Holy Spirit reboot our spiritual lives, giving us a blank slate, giving us courage to begin today as though all was meet and copacetic?