Time is a gift.
Every new day feels like another direct deposit of grace into the bank of my heart. A few nights ago, the church I’m blessed to pastor held a graduation ceremony for our VPK students. These are four- and five-year-olds who have apparently accumulated enough academic credit to receive a preschool diploma. As humorous as that may sound, I can’t mock this wonderful night of achievement because Lucy, my youngest, proudly received her diploma alongside her fellow graduates. I’m not sure if pollen invaded the room, but tears were trying to escape my eyes. No longer will I walk downstairs from my church office and see my sweet Lucy before she goes to class.
Time is a gift.
My neighbor’s daughter graduated from high school a few days ago. As she excitedly shared her future plans with me, her dad looked at her with a tenderness only a father can fully understand. He looked at me after she walked inside and asked, “Where has the time gone?” As he said this, I glanced at the thirteen-year-old car my oldest daughter drives. It stared back at me as if it were smugly saying, ‘I’m taking her to college soon.’ I briefly considered hitting it, but I didn’t want to explain that to the insurance company…or my wife.
Time is a gift.
I walked upstairs last night to see my two sons asleep together after a long night of whiffle ball in the hallway. Seeing their faces, along with the lingering smell of boy sweat in the room, reminded me that while this moment may remain in my heart for years to come, the reality of it will not last forever. I even felt convicted for yelling earlier that evening for them to stop before something broke. Watching them sleep, I realized I’d rather replace a lamp than crush the joy of those moments.
Time is a gift.
Don’t treat it like an unwanted Christmas present you can’t wait to pass on to someone else. Each day given by our God is an opportunity to experience life, build a treasury of cherished memories, and live with purpose. As a follower of Christ, my purpose is to bear witness to His transforming grace and redeeming love in a world desperate for rescue. Don’t waste the gift of today consumed by useless anger or hatred. Put your phone down and avoid what my children call doom scrolling.
Go for a walk. Read a good book. Watch a game with a friend. Write someone a note of encouragement, because everyone loves snail mail. Learn a new hobby. Take your family to a local park. Sit down for a family dinner with no screens on. Find ways to fully savor the gift of time. There will come a day, perhaps many days, when you do something like watch a stage full of preschool children and realize just how quickly your investments of time become memories.
So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12
Dave Snyder, Pastor, First Baptist Church of Pensacola
Local Pulse Editor’s Note:
Dave Snyder is a part of our Community Voices series. This dynamic group of Pensacola dwellers is dedicated to driving positive change in our city. They inspire progress and foster a stronger, more connected community through shared experiences, expert insights, and thoughtful perspectives on impactful topics.
