From The Pastor:
“Time to Turn 50”
In “Rules for a Preacher’s Conduct”,
John Wesley gave practical guidelines for Methodist
preachers. One of the rules stated: “Be diligent.
Never be unemployed: never be triflingly employed.
Never trifle away time: neither spend any more time
at any place than is strictly necessary.”
Having just turned 50 I am reminded of how time does
fly. It’s hard to believe my son just turned
18 and will graduate from High School. As I move beyond
middle age I know I want to use my time wisely. I
don’t want to waste the life God has given me.
I think Gerald B. Klein has some excellent guidelines
for me in the last half of my life.
Today is here. I will start with a smile and resolve
to be agreeable. I will not criticize. I refuse to
waste my valuable time.
Today in one thing I know I am equal with all others
~ time. All of us draw the same salary in seconds,
minutes, and hours.
Today I will not waste my time because the minutes
I wasted yesterday are as lost as a vanished thought.
Today I refuse to spend time worrying about what
might happen ~ it usually doesn't. I am going to spend
time making things happen.
Today I am determined to study to improve myself,
for tomorrow I may be wanted, and I must not be found
lacking.
Today I am determined to do the things that I should
do. I firmly determine to stop doing the things I
should not do.
Today I begin by doing and not wasting my time. In
one week I will be miles beyond the person I am today.
Today I will not imagine what I would do if things
were different. They are not different. I will make
success with what material I have.
Today I will stop saying, "If I had time".
I know I never will "find time" for anything.
If I want time, I must make it.
Today I will act toward other people as though this
might be my last day on earth. I will not wait for
tomorrow. Tomorrow never comes.
I think John Wesley would have liked Klein’s
thoughts. How will you use the rest of your life?
It’s easy to trifle away our time watching television
and playing games on the computer. Why not consider
how God would like you to spend your life. I hope
to see you in church if you make time for it.
Grace and peace,
