Time Provision

"But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." 1 Peter 3:8

I have been thinking about time lately and what a precious gift it is.  Our culture says, "time is money."  That philosophy reflects a Western, Capitalistic mind set, which shapes what we value.  True, we do receive compensation from time we spend on our jobs etc., but what about time spent doing things in which we receive no money (time with our families, reading a good book, writing a poem, taking a nap)?

As an musician, it takes a great deal of time to compose music or to learn a piece of music at a deep level.  Musicians can be paid (most of the time, poorly) for services rendered, whether teaching or performing.  I have been asking the Lord for discernment in thinking about balance and margin as it relates to time and provision.

Whether you are an artist or not, we all need margin in our lives in order to enjoy God and his creation (hence, the concept of Sabaath).  I think we in the U. S. have gotten out of balance.  We work and work and work in order to consume, consume, consume, and as a result, we are tired, weary, stressed-out, anxious, and unfulfilled.  We are enslaved to all of our toys, gadgets, and life style in the sense that we have to work more and more hours in order to maintain it all.

I am thankful to God for this season of life, where God has led me back to grad school, has provided in amazing ways, and has made us simplify.  It is humbling and an amazing gift.  The challenge for me is to rest in the Lord, trust and enjoy Him.  I wouldn't trade this time for a million dollars!